Participants at Growing Lives (Derventio Housing Trusts Recovery from alcohol and drug dependency project) have been getting involved in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count this summer – a nationwide survey aimed at checking the health of the environment by encouraging people to record the butterflies they see!
The Growing Lives garden in Ilkeston is a hidden green space tucked away in the town, providing a perfect spot to take part. Participants spent 15 peaceful minutes spotting and counting butterflies, recording species such as Large Whites and Red Admirals.
The activity was a wonderful chance to enjoy nature, practise mindfulness and spend time outdoors. Several participants enjoyed it so much they plan to do their own counts in local parks or gardens near where they live.
Butterflies are more than beautiful – they’re a powerful symbol of transformation and new beginnings, reminding us that Recovery is possible and growth takes time.
About the Growing Lives Project:
Growing Lives provides a combination of skill-building and learning activities with personalised support to help people in recovery develop their social networks, improve their wellbeing and move closer to education, training and employment.
Activities include:
- Workshop: wood-working and upcycling furniture
- Bike club: restoring bicycles and group bike rides
- Gardening: growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants, tending to the pond and learning about wildlife
- Cooking: building cooking, nutrition and budgeting skills by preparing breakfasts and lunches, often made using produce grown in the garden
- Arts & crafts: including mosaic making, sewing, crochet and paper crafts
- IT skills: a chance to develop digital skills and connect with people and services online
- Walks and visits to local parks and sights of interest
There is also a strong element of employability support. Tutors give help and guidance around job search, interview skills and overcoming barriers to accessing education, training or employment.
How To Refer
Refer someone by phone: 01159 443 865 / 07714 791 098
Refer someone by email: growinglives@derventiohousing.com
Growing Lives is available to people Derventio Housing Trust already works with and people who live in Derbyshire who are in drug or alcohol recovery. Please get in touch to request a referral form. They can also offer taster days to help people see what the service is like!
