Community garden to open in village

A COMMUNITY garden to help tackle loneliness and social isolation is opening in Newbold Verdon.

The Friendly Bench is launching in Dragon Lane Recreation Ground to help connect together the elderly, those with restricted mobility and others, and with nature.

Founder Lyndsey Young said: “We are thrilled to be bringing The Friendly Bench to Newbold Verdon.

“The Friendly Bench plays a vital role in reconnecting people back to their community and helps tackle loneliness and social isolation which is experienced by so many.

“By creating a welcoming, inclusive, accessible and well-located place to meet, chat, rest and enjoy the benefits of being outside, or by joining in with one of the regularly organised activities,

“The Friendly Bench will be a hub for everyone to connect.

“The Friendly Bench will help improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing, it will also help strengthen community ties and encourage connections across the generations and with the wider community.”

Newbold Verdon Parish Council and Leicestershire County Council are backing the scheme.

Councillor Joyce Crooks is to officially open the space on August 10.

Parish councillor Jo Walsh said: “We are really excited that The Friendly Bench is being launched in our village, it will be a wonderful asset for our community and we really look forward to welcoming all residents and groups to get involved and help make it a vibrant social hub for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information, visit the group website.