Young people helped to make Falinge Park an even nicer green space

The team weed part of the walled garden in Falinge Park

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Young people in Rochdale were given the opportunity to take part in a gardening taster session in Falinge Park as part of Volunteers Week.

During the day, young people helped to make Falinge Park an even nicer green space for the community. They volunteered with the community garden, weeding and planting whilst learning about horticulture and volunteer opportunities in Rochdale.

All of the young people who attended were also given their own seed to take away and grow in their own green spaces as well as the chance to sign up to be part of the new community garden team.

Greater Manchester Talent Match teamed up with Vintage Worx Community Development Trust and Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale to create this one off volunteering taster event for young people who are supported by the Greater Manchester Talent Match programme.

Sarah Gray, Volunteering Officer at Greater Manchester Talent Match, said: “It’s been a great day, the weather’s been kind to us and we hope it’s given everyone a chance to see what volunteering is all about.”

Angie Parr, local resident and volunteer at Vintage Worx, said: “Vintage Worx itself is a Community Development Trust based in the heart of Falinge Park. We’re run by a team of passionate volunteers, so wanted to host an opportunity that shows how great volunteering can be.

"The idea for starting a community garden in the park came from our suggestions board in the café,. We’ve had a lot of interest and it’s a great opportunity for local people to meet up, get some fresh air and get involved in their local park.”

Greater Manchester Talent Match is a Big Lottery-funded programme bringing together the private, public and voluntary sectors to support young people aged 18-24 who have not been in employment, education or training for twelve months or more and who need extra support to help them along their pathway to work.