The OrganicLea workers’ co-operative runs an organic community farm in Chingford, London. We welcome interest from any organisation wishing to support us with our work.
We grow fruit and vegetables, and every week deliver around 800 bags of produce to pick-up points around the borough of Waltham Forest through our box scheme.
Our 12-acre site at Hawkwood Nursery is a welcoming place for everyone. We offer learning and volunteering opportunities to a diverse range of people, including those who might otherwise be left out. Our work really makes a difference. Those who join us often gain new skills, grow in confidence, and feel better in themselves. Many go on to further training, take on more responsibility as volunteers or find a job.
Support for wellbeing
To help us understand how we’re making a difference, we created a wellbeing tool – the OrganicLea Wellbeing Log (OWL) – with the University of Essex. It’s designed to be simple and useful for our community garden setting.
We use it to check in with people when they arrive and again after six months or when they finish. The OWL looks at improvements in things such as learning, health and feeling connected.
Our approach has featured in research showing how community food growing can boost confidence, teach practical skills and even help people find paid work. For instance, City & Guilds research found that projects like ours reach people who are out of work or education and give them the support they need to move forward with their lives.
OrganicLea has also been a case study in a national report about the health and wellbeing benefits of growing food together. Here’s what Ben, a volunteer referred to us by an organisation supporting refugees, had to say:
‘I started growing plants at OrganicLea and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The weekly sessions gave my life structure when I really needed it. I’ve gained certificates, joined study groups in the garden and helped newcomers, which felt good. OrganicLea gave me support and the courage to look forward to the future.’
Get in touch
We appreciate offers of funding and partnership opportunities to support us, so please feel free to make contact by calling 020 8524 4994 or email info@organiclea.org.uk