Bishop Auckland horticulture project appeals for funds

A project in Bishop Auckland which helps young people and adults is appealing for funding.

Cultivate4Life

The Cultivate4Life project is based at Woodhouse Close allotments in Bishop Auckland and provides a “holistic work and study environment”, working with organisations like Job Centre Plus and Princes Trust to support young people and adults who are currently unemployed.

Funding is now being sought to prevent the project from closing.

“We are in a very, very critical position,” said Julie Costello, Project Coordinator.

“It was going to be at the end of October that was it for us… We have applied for funding but unfortunately we’ve had one rejection after another and it can be very deflating, and you’ve got to keep going.”

The group has now launched a Local Giving page where the first £10 donated will be matched by the website. After Gift Aid is included a £10 donation matched with the ‘Grow Your Tenner 2015’ campaign can be worth £21.67.

Donations have already been received from local businesses and Bishop Auckland councillors have also pledged their support.

“If we can get through this difficult time we want to enhance our support and we can’t do this on our own. I think that in any charity that you’ve got to work very much together,” explained Julie.

The project is also hoping to bring an accredited training scheme to the town.

More information can be found on the Cultivate4Life Facebook page, and donations can be made at LocalGiving.