Newcastle allotment receives £5,000 investment to help local veterans

An allotment that aids local veterans, and provides food to food banks in the region, has been revived thanks to new funding.

Finchale Group actively ran sessions at the Walkergate plot in Newcastle until 2017, when a lack of funding meant it fell into disrepair.

Now, Sir James Knott Trust has given the registered charity a £5,000 grant, allowing it to restart the programme designed to relieve isolation of ex-service men and women.

The money will cover transport costs for groups of veterans to attend weekly sessions at the allotment for a year.

Last week Finchale Group staff took on the challenge of clearing the overgrown plot ready for the volunteers to start work - with some young helpers lending a hand.

And it’s not just veterans who will reap the rewards - in previous years Finchale donated fruits and vegetables grown on the plot to County Durham Foodbank.

Roger Guy, Finchale Group’s head of operations, said: “Sir James Knott Trust’s generous donation gives us the chance to continue offering this important programme to veterans.

“The veterans we work with suffer from a range of emotional challenges, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, which can leave them feeling isolated.

“Volunteering at the allotment gives them a chance to get outside and talk to like-minded people – as well as giving back to the community through our produce donations.”

Founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for military personnel returning from active service, Finchale Group now supports people with various issues in finding employment - including mental health problems, addiction and homelessness.

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