Sending out seeds of hope

Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities, has relaunched its #GrowTogether fundraising campaign encouraging everyone to send seeds of hope to friends, family, neighbours, and the community, ahead of the social distancing guidelines coming to an end.

The campaign was created in the first 12-week lockdown to spread positivity and boost morale among those in isolation and raised more than £600. For a £5 donation (and 75p postage and packaging charge), the charity will distribute sweet pea and dwarf sunflower seeds for recipients to plant, nourish and grow at home during the government’s lockdown period. 

Sunflowers and sweet peas are both known to symbolise joy and happiness, and gardening is proven to help us keep fit, connect with others, and enjoy being a part of nature. 

People can also decide to send flowers to someone they do not know, and fundraisers and volunteers will distribute them to local care homes and community groups, as well as to the people supported by Diverse Abilities.  

Naomi Richards, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, said: “Our #GrowTogether campaign was so much fun last year, a real beacon of positivity amongst the uncertainty, and it was lovely to see everyone sharing pictures of their flowers growing into the summer months.  

“Last year people commented on how lovely it was to be able to send the seeds of hope to someone they didn’t know, and it was great to drop them off in the community as a little surprise for people. We hope that by the time they start growing again this year, we’ll all be able to enjoy them together through a summer of reconnecting with loved ones.”  

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/growtogether for more details and to place an order.