Overview
Community Roots connect garden owners with garden-less budding growers living nearby and looking for a patch to grow their own food
Problem
Community Roots solution is designed to address three key problems. The first problem is the knowledge gap around basic but important skills such as growing food which has resulted in a loss of self-sufficiency and agency. The second problem is the disconnect in our communities and the impact of loneliness of people of all ages, cultures and incomes. The third problem is the prevalence of concrete in our neighbourhoods in spaces which could be used for growing and urban greening.
Solution
Community Roots matches budding growers with garden owners through a well thought through process informed by their safeguarding policy that includes reference checks, garda vetting, chaperoned initial meetings in neutral spaces and contracting around boundary setting. Friends of the Elderly advised on their safeguarding policy and procedures.
Once a match is made, and thanks to a number of significant partnerships, the growers are provided with raised beds built by Cabra and Walkinstown Mens’ Shed, locally supplied compost and access to GIYs online growing courses.
These processes have allowed them to create opportunities for people to: learn how to grow food, sharing knowledge & experience; connect over a shared experience, building community spirit; enhance health & wellbeing; enjoy mini harvests; reduce food waste & CO2 emissions and increase urban green spaces.
Impact
Their initial pilot involved 12 pairings in Dublin 7. In 2024 they doubled their pairings across Dublin 7 and are currently expanding in Dublin 8, Dublin 14, Dublin 15, Dublin 16 and Rush, Co. Dublin. They currently have over 300 garden owners and budding growers living all over Ireland on their waiting list.
Their initial 12-month pilot involved participants from a broad demographic including older adults, young professionals, migrants, adults with special needs and young families. During the pilot their senior occupational therapist carried out surveys to gather both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures. The findings showed: 87% continued participating in their garden-share scheme after the 12-months; 79% feel much more confident growing food; 68% feel more connected to their communities; 61% feel an improvement in their mental health and 25sqm of unused space (mostly concrete) was converted into space to grow.
Case study
Two gardenless, budding growers were matched with the front garden of a residential home which supports adults with autism who were looking for opportunities for engagement outside of the home environment. The residents now have a variety of vegetables growing in their front garden and frequent opportunities to socialise with the growers. Staff at the home described the scheme as “amazing.
Community Roots have had national media coverage across radio, print and television featured by the Irish Times, Independent and RTÉ.
SEI Journey
- Impact Programme Awardee 2024-2025
Case Study Last Updated November 2024
Co-founders Scott Bryan and Caitriona Kenny
COUNTY
Leinster
REGION
Dublin
WEBSITE
SEI JOURNEY
- Impact Awardee 2024-2025