Event update from our partners at the Growing Lives project:

“End of 2023 - Busy Festive Season at Growing Lives!

It was a busy festive season at Growing Lives, with a Christmas dinner and lots of community support making this a Christmas to remember.

16 participants came to the Growing Lives Christmas dinner of turkey with the full works including pigs in blankets, red cabbage and carrots that had been grown in the garden earlier in the year.  It was a team effort in the kitchen, with everyone getting involved in the prep, cooking and cleaning up.  All who took part appreciated the chance to get together to enjoy good food followed by festive games and quizzes, especially as for some people this was their only Christmas dinner.

Earlier in the month Growing Lives participant Darren visited The Ripley Academy to speak to students about his experiences of being homeless - Recovery Project - Growing Lives : Darren tells sixth formers the secret of his success (growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk).  Students had prepared beautifully decorated boxes filled with treats and goodies to give out to Growing Lives participants and people living in Derventio’s supported housing in Derbyshire. 

We also had some fantastic support from companies and individuals as part of our Christmas Appeal. Everyone who comes to Growing Lives, and every single resident in a Derventio house, had a festive treat thanks to this support.”

If you would like more information on how to attend the Growing Lives Project, you can find contact information and can read more about the project on the GRID website’s Recovery Projects page -

Growing Lives - Derventio Housing Trust (growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk)