The Growing Cafe is a fortnightly gardening and wellbeing group at Akeman Community Centre. It is a great opportunity to grow your gardening skills, boost your wellbeing, and meet others in the community in a calm and supportive environment. Everyone is welcome.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- Spending time outdoors in nature can give you a wellbeing boost;
- You can connect with others in your local community;
- You can learn new skills.
"Lovely group activity and food! It was great to have a chat whilst tidying up the garden.”
“I’m happy! I had a great time talking to people and planting beans".
How to contact
Phone
Volunteering opportunities
Where to go
Akeman Community Centre
80 Akeman St
Arbury
Cambridge CB4 3HG
What to expect
Akeman Community Centre Growing Cafe is a relaxing and welcoming group that meets at Akeman Community Centre fortnightly on Thursday afternoons from 12pm - 3pm. You can go along to enjoy:
- Hands-on gardening activities & education
- Warm drinks, delicious vegan-friendly cake or soup
- A safe, friendly space to talk, connect, and learn
Absolutely no previous gardening experience needed, beginners are very welcome. If you are not interested in getting involved in the gardening you are still very welcome to go along to enjoy the outdoor space, food and company!
The group are growing a variety of different edible plants and some flowers chosen by members of the community in raised beds. Sessions alternate between general sessions spent in the garden and more educational ones where the group chooses an area of gardening to focus on and learn about together. If the weather is too bad to head outside the group uses the indoor space instead, there are a selection of gardening related books to read and chat over.
The sessions are led by Jeremy from Earth & Mind supported by Alex from Cambridge Sustainable Food. If you are attending the group for the first time ask to speak to Jeremy or Alex when you arrive and they will introduce you to the group and explain what is happening that session. They will also give you a small diary that you can use to record things you find interesting or have learnt.
There's no need to book ahead - just go along! If you have any questions then you are welcome to contact the team in advance via social media or info@earthandmind.co.uk.
More information
Sessions run for 3 hours but you don't need to stay for the full time - drop in when suits you and stay as long as you like!
Children of all ages are welcome at the group as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
All equipment is provided including gardening gloves.
Parking is available outside the centre but it is quite limited. There is some roadside parking available on nearby streets. There are cycle racks just outside the centre.
The venue is all on one level and wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible toilet and baby change facilities. Push chairs are welcome. No dogs are allowed in the centre except assistance dogs.
It is free to attend the sessions and refreshments are provided: usually hot drinks, soup and cake.
How to contact
Phone
Volunteering opportunities
Where to go
Akeman Community Centre
80 Akeman St
Arbury
Cambridge CB4 3HG
