01702 965959
enquiries@garonparkcic.com
Wellbeing At Garon Park is a CIO with the purpose of providing sustainable facilities that can be used to improve local health and wellbeing, as well as enhancing the beauty, biodiversity and environmental value of the 30-acre Garon Park site in Southend on Sea.
The anchor feature is the wellbeing trail which includes multipurpose pathways for cycling, running, walking and wheelchair access. The trail will be used by 100s and act as a hub for community and wellbeing initiatives, including the Nature and Art Trails. There will be path seating and shelters at feature points around the wellbeing site for:
Rest and reflection
Enjoyment of vista points
Relaxation in the Sensory Garden
Enjoyment of the Nature Pond
We also have:
The Garon Park Shed, for those wanting to make new friends while learning or honing their practical woodworking skills
The Hive Nature School
The Community Garden for gardening experiences, achievement and social interaction
An Orchard majoring on native Essex species of fruit trees
An Outdoor Gym
And plans for an Arts & Crafts centre
And, of course, our clubhouse with kitchen and bar facilities is available for indoor meetings, socials and group activity sessions.
The Charity’s Object as stated in our Constitution
To assist charities and charitable bodies working for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Borough of Southend on Sea and surrounding areas by providing and maintaining secure and private facilities:
a) to promote and protect the good physical, mental and sensory health of the residents; and/or
b) for the recreation or other leisure time occupation of those residents who have need of such facilities by reason of their health, infirmity or disablement in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Purpose
Wellbeing At Garon Park
Develop & maintain facilities to support Health & Wellbeing activities at Garon Park
Co-ordinate the booking of facilities at the Garon Park site
Co-ordinate the volunteer force supporting the Garon Park site
Community groups
Organise activities to make the best use of the facilities at Garon Park
Set goals for Health & Wellbeing outcomes and monitor progress
Manage community group membership and activities
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Garon Park Community Interest Company is incorporated with the aim of making the facility a long term, sustainable ‘go to’ destination for team sport and community wellbeing, a place where local community groups can flourish.
In July 2015 Garon Park Community Interest Company licences 32 acres of land from The Norman Garon Trust (NGT). GP CIC rents pitches to Old Southendian Football Club, Old Southendian and Southchurch Cricket Club and Essex Cricket. The site becomes financially sustainable.
An independent, consultant led Baseline Survey is carried out which looks at communities in the local area, in particular those that are registered as most deprived. This was then compared to facilities that the Government and Local Authority should provide and the result was a Gap Analysis which GP CIC used as the basis of a community consultation, which informed the design of the Vitality Park and emphasised the positive impacts fresh air and outdoor exercise has on health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing At Garon Park is set up as a small constituted charity.
In June Wellbeing At Garon Park is registered as a CIO, with the purpose of improving the physical and mental health of the people of Southend.
The Wellbeing at Garon Park Board set to work on establishing their strategy and 5-year plans and a funding strategy is developed, with the priority being to secure funding for a 1 km wellbeing trail
Wellbeing At Garon Park host their first community event, an Easter Fun Day attracting over 3000 people.
Garon Park CIC signs 35 year lease with NGT
GPCIC secures funding for a 3G pitch from The FA Facilities Fund / Premier League.
The Community Bond is launched and is successful
GP CIC starts construction of a brand new floodlit 3G football Pitch
WBGP secures funding for the Garon Park Shed and a second hand portacabin is purchased and refurbished by volunteers
Funding is secured from National Lottery, Veolia Environmental Trust and Southend City Council for the Wellbeing Trail in the Vitality Park
January – fully equipped Garon Park Shed opens to the local community
Lockdown closes GP to the general public; however, socially distanced work continues behind the gates enabling facilities to be ready to welcome guests as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted
By 2020 over 4000 trees and hedgerow whips have been planted at Garon Park, amounting to 0.75 km of hedgerow.
Construction of the 1km Wellbeing Trail is completed
Site Development Manager, Community Engagement Officer, Operations Manager and Commercial Development Manager are appointed
Work begins on creating the Garon Park Herbie man
Stage 2 of the Vitality Park project is completed, with the outdoor gym, playground equipment, seating areas being installed, and the community garden is established.
Population released from lockdown measures – 3G pitch reopens to the community.
Wellbeing At Garon Park are selected to run the HAF – Holiday Activity and Feeding Programme for local children
James Duddridge MP visits Garon Park and gives his support to the project
Wellbeing at Garon Park host their first hugely successful Christmas Community Event for local community groups
The GP Community Orchard is planted with heritage fruit trees in January 2022 by over 100 people from local families, schools and community groups
Community fridge donated by St Edmunds Community Hall to support in the provision of meals for volunteers and local groups
GP CIC / WBGP awarded the Government funded Community Regeneration Fund project – launch highly successful In2Volunteering / In2Work initiatives.
Garon Park welcomes the local community to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee together. Over 1500 attend a fantastic community event. Funded by the Lottery
The Festival Cricket Ground is renamed The Peter Butler Oval in memory of one of our strongest supporters.
By April 2022 we had topped 220,000 visitors to Garon Park since April 2021, 16560 being Wellbeing At Garon Park visitors
Work on the nature school project is complete and the Hive Nature School, funded by local business Hivedome Ltd, is officially opened by Southend Mayor, Margaret Borton. The logo for the nature school is designed by a pupil from Hinguar School and is brought to life by a Design Student from the University.
The Garon Park Community Shed is officially opened by Mayor Margaret Borton
Garon Park CIC/Wellbeing at Garon Park establish partnerships onsite with Steps Ahead to run the Nature School and The Fitness Shack to run the PT/Fitness sessions on site
Wellbeing at Garon Park takes delivery of a community minibus thanks to match funding from St Edmunds Community Hall
Community Meals/Friendship Groups begin, working in partnership with Welcome to the UK bringing migrant families to Garon Park to enjoy a meal together and to build friendships
Pilot family offer to EHCP students / parent at a local school. Establish Educational Hub 4 Children and Parents (EH4CP)
SUCET make Garon Park their permanent home
Garon Park Youth Club is established after a successful pilot with over 250 young people registering in the first 4 weeks. The club continues to go from strength to strength.
A pilot project working in partnership with Sutton House Academy providing support for disengaged young people is a huge success and paves the way for future collaboration
Alisha Threadgold completes her business apprenticeship as our first apprentice.
In2Work and In2Volunteering programmes go from strength to strength thanks to UKSPF Programme funding success
By spring 2023 a further 6000 trees and hedgerow whips are planted at Garon Park, working with 120 employees of NatWest bank, bringing us up to 2km of hedgerow.
The Kings Coronation Community Event is held over 2 days at Garon Park to celebrate the Kings Accession to the throne and to celebrate The Big Help Out, highlighting the importance of local volunteers and volunteering opportunities. Over 1500 attendees.
A ‘tree of trees’ is planted to commemorate the Queens Jubilee. Garon Park is hugely honoured to be chosen to receive this tree by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, HM The Lord Lieutenant. The tree is one of eight in Essex, donated from the Queen’s gardens to help form the Queens Canopy.
A Pergola of Memories is established at Garon Park with the support of volunteers and local businesses.
Garon Park are awarded the prestigious Community Green Flag Accreditation
The Garon Park Storytelling Chair is unveiled at Garon Park. Designed by local school children and crafted by the talented Garon Park Shed volunteers from locally sourced Oak.
The Vitality Park is officially opened by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex
The SUCET Education Centre is officially opened and Mrs Linley Butler, Trustee of EASST who financed the centre, with Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex in attendance.
Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Mrs Linley Butler plant the WBGP Friendship tree in the Vitality Park
The Vitality Centre is opened to provide indoor space for EC4HP groups
Anna Firth MP visits Garon Park
Executive Summary
I’m pleased to report another year of progress at WBGP in pursuit of our aspiration of Improving the Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing of the Local Community. You will see from my full report (www.garonpark.com) that in 2022 we have formed more partnerships with local community organisations and we are running more programmes like our: In2Volunteering and In2Work programmes that help build peoples’ confidence and make them better able to cope with modern life; and our Education Hub 4 Children and Parent (EH4CP) programmes aimed at helping families and individual students to deal with daily life.
Our core physical facility, The Vitality Park, saw user numbers increase from around 16,500 in 2021 to in excess of 21,500 in 2022 (40% growth) as our activities helped people recover from the pandemic and our facilities enabled WBGP to play a full role in the recovery of the local community. Our triumphant Platinum Jubilee event was delivered free of charge, staffed by volunteers and was attended by nearly two thousand local people, demonstrated the scale of our delivery potential. While our friendship meals provided happiness, content and camaraderie for Afghan, Ukrainian and my other refugees throughout the year.
Funding wise 2022 saw the end of our first Big Lottery grant that enabled us to start capacity building and begin to reach into the community. It also saw the end of a six month Government grant from the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) which was designed to help the community over the effects of Covid. These two major grants meant we built a delivery team which included skills as diverse as job interview skills to conservation and eco skills and we took the decision, alongside our business partners Garon Park CIC, that we would maintain these skills on site and continue to bid for further regeneration style contracts, with GP CIC making up the deficit in terms of funding.
We added a youth focus to the mix in the year and this has led the way to our aspirations for 2023 where we are bidding for funds to expand our youth focused facilities and enable our levelling up agenda to reach more and younger local people. We started Garon Park Youth from scratch and have a regular weekly attendance of 60 + local youth – a real success.
We ran an important base line survey in 2022, which highlighted a range of local inequalities for young people and we consulted a with wide audience of local young people who told us exactly what they required to attract them to use our facilities – at the top of the pile was the facilities had to be secure so they felt safe. The survey and consultations are available to view on our website www.garonpark.com.
We are all excited for the year ahead as one of capacity building in the community and raising funds to provide more facilities which our surveys and consultations have highlighted as desperately needed.
Clive Shiret
Chair of Trustees
The purpose of these reports are provide evidence-based insight into the current users of the park, their satisfaction levels, insights to enrich the pilot youth club programme, insights into the government’s levelling up agenda and most importantly to evaluate how well the site is aiding in meeting user’s physical and well-being objectives.
Wellbeing At Garon Park is a CIO with the purpose of providing sustainable facilities that can be used to improve local health and wellbeing, as well as enhancing the beauty, biodiversity and environmental value of the 30-acre Garon Park site in Southend on Sea.
The anchor feature is the wellbeing trail which includes multipurpose pathways for cycling, running, walking and wheelchair access. The trail will be used by 100s and act as a hub for community and wellbeing initiatives, including the Nature and Art Trails. There will be path seating and shelters at feature points around the wellbeing site for:
Rest and reflection
Enjoyment of vista points
Relaxation in the Sensory Garden
Enjoyment of the Nature Pond
We also have:
The Garon Park Shed, for those wanting to make new friends while learning or honing their practical woodworking skills
The Hive Nature School
The Community Garden for gardening experiences, achievement and social interaction
An Orchard majoring on native Essex species of fruit trees
An Outdoor Gym
And plans for an Arts & Crafts centre
And, of course, our clubhouse with kitchen and bar facilities is available for indoor meetings, socials and group activity sessions.
The Charity’s Object as stated in our Constitution
To assist charities and charitable bodies working for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Borough of Southend on Sea and surrounding areas by providing and maintaining secure and private facilities:
a) to promote and protect the good physical, mental and sensory health of the residents; and/or
b) for the recreation or other leisure time occupation of those residents who have need of such facilities by reason of their health, infirmity or disablement in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Purpose
Wellbeing At Garon Park
Develop & maintain facilities to support Health & Wellbeing activities at Garon Park
Co-ordinate the booking of facilities at the Garon Park site
Co-ordinate the volunteer force supporting the Garon Park site
Community groups
Organise activities to make the best use of the facilities at Garon Park
Set goals for Health & Wellbeing outcomes and monitor progress
Manage community group membership and activities
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Care
We will provide sustainable facilities that improve local health and wellbeing outcomes via self-help
We will act as a catylyst for the local community to enhance pride, resilience and self-sufficiency
We will ensure that we protect and enhance the local ecology and environment of the Garon Park site
We will provide creative solutions that meet local community needs and deliver value for money
Compassion
We will support community self-help to sustain physical, mental or emotional wellbeing
We will be sensitive to and act upon the stated needs of the local community
We will show perseverance, patience, tolerance, warmth and resolve
We will act in an altruistic way
Integrity
We will reflect the principles and objectives of the wellbeing@garonpark charity in what we do
We will act with respect, honesty, truthfulness and accuracy
We will behave in an ethical way
We will ensure that we are seen as dependable and reliable in our relationships
Co-operation
We will act for the common good and mutual benefit of the local community and the groups that represent it
We will partner with other groups and organisations where we can achieve a better outcome
We will show fairness, justice and courtesy to others
We will act in a rational, realistic and flexible way
Garon Park Community Interest Company is incorporated with the aim of making the facility a long term, sustainable ‘go to’ destination for team sport and community wellbeing, a place where local community groups can flourish.
In July 2015 Garon Park Community Interest Company licences 32 acres of land from The Norman Garon Trust (NGT). GP CIC rents pitches to Old Southendian Football Club, Old Southendian and Southchurch Cricket Club and Essex Cricket. The site becomes financially sustainable.
An independent, consultant led Baseline Survey is carried out which looks at communities in the local area, in particular those that are registered as most deprived. This was then compared to facilities that the Government and Local Authority should provide and the result was a Gap Analysis which GP CIC used as the basis of a community consultation, which informed the design of the Vitality Park and emphasised the positive impacts fresh air and outdoor exercise has on health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing At Garon Park is set up as a small constituted charity.
In June Wellbeing At Garon Park is registered as a CIO, with the purpose of improving the physical and mental health of the people of Southend.
The Wellbeing at Garon Park Board set to work on establishing their strategy and 5-year plans and a funding strategy is developed, with the priority being to secure funding for a 1 km wellbeing trail
Wellbeing At Garon Park host their first community event, an Easter Fun Day attracting over 3000 people.
Garon Park CIC signs 35 year lease with NGT
GPCIC secures funding for a 3G pitch from The FA Facilities Fund / Premier League.
The Community Bond is launched and is successful
GP CIC starts construction of a brand new floodlit 3G football Pitch
WBGP secures funding for the Garon Park Shed and a second hand portacabin is purchased and refurbished by volunteers
Funding is secured from National Lottery, Veolia Environmental Trust and Southend City Council for the Wellbeing Trail in the Vitality Park
January – fully equipped Garon Park Shed opens to the local community
Lockdown closes GP to the general public; however, socially distanced work continues behind the gates enabling facilities to be ready to welcome guests as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted
By 2020 over 4000 trees and hedgerow whips have been planted at Garon Park, amounting to 0.75 km of hedgerow.
Construction of the 1km Wellbeing Trail is completed
Site Development Manager, Community Engagement Officer, Operations Manager and Commercial Development Manager are appointed
Work begins on creating the Garon Park Herbie man
Stage 2 of the Vitality Park project is completed, with the outdoor gym, playground equipment, seating areas being installed, and the community garden is established.
Population released from lockdown measures – 3G pitch reopens to the community.
Wellbeing At Garon Park are selected to run the HAF – Holiday Activity and Feeding Programme for local children
James Duddridge MP visits Garon Park and gives his support to the project
Wellbeing at Garon Park host their first hugely successful Christmas Community Event for local community groups
The GP Community Orchard is planted with heritage fruit trees in January 2022 by over 100 people from local families, schools and community groups
Community fridge donated by St Edmunds Community Hall to support in the provision of meals for volunteers and local groups
GP CIC / WBGP awarded the Government funded Community Regeneration Fund project – launch highly successful In2Volunteering / In2Work initiatives.
Garon Park welcomes the local community to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee together. Over 1500 attend a fantastic community event. Funded by the Lottery
The Festival Cricket Ground is renamed The Peter Butler Oval in memory of one of our strongest supporters.
By April 2022 we had topped 220,000 visitors to Garon Park since April 2021, 16560 being Wellbeing At Garon Park visitors
Work on the nature school project is complete and the Hive Nature School, funded by local business Hivedome Ltd, is officially opened by Southend Mayor, Margaret Borton. The logo for the nature school is designed by a pupil from Hinguar School and is brought to life by a Design Student from the University.
The Garon Park Community Shed is officially opened by Mayor Margaret Borton
Garon Park CIC/Wellbeing at Garon Park establish partnerships onsite with Steps Ahead to run the Nature School and The Fitness Shack to run the PT/Fitness sessions on site
Wellbeing at Garon Park takes delivery of a community minibus thanks to match funding from St Edmunds Community Hall
Community Meals/Friendship Groups begin, working in partnership with Welcome to the UK bringing migrant families to Garon Park to enjoy a meal together and to build friendships
Pilot family offer to EHCP students / parent at a local school. Establish Educational Hub 4 Children and Parents (EH4CP)
SUCET make Garon Park their permanent home
Garon Park Youth Club is established after a successful pilot with over 250 young people registering in the first 4 weeks. The club continues to go from strength to strength.
A pilot project working in partnership with Sutton House Academy providing support for disengaged young people is a huge success and paves the way for future collaboration
Alisha Threadgold completes her business apprenticeship as our first apprentice.
In2Work and In2Volunteering programmes go from strength to strength thanks to UKSPF Programme funding success
By spring 2023 a further 6000 trees and hedgerow whips are planted at Garon Park, working with 120 employees of NatWest bank, bringing us up to 2km of hedgerow.
The Kings Coronation Community Event is held over 2 days at Garon Park to celebrate the Kings Accession to the throne and to celebrate The Big Help Out, highlighting the importance of local volunteers and volunteering opportunities. Over 1500 attendees.
A ‘tree of trees’ is planted to commemorate the Queens Jubilee. Garon Park is hugely honoured to be chosen to receive this tree by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, HM The Lord Lieutenant. The tree is one of eight in Essex, donated from the Queen’s gardens to help form the Queens Canopy.
A Pergola of Memories is established at Garon Park with the support of volunteers and local businesses.
Garon Park are awarded the prestigious Community Green Flag Accreditation
The Garon Park Storytelling Chair is unveiled at Garon Park. Designed by local school children and crafted by the talented Garon Park Shed volunteers from locally sourced Oak.
The Vitality Park is officially opened by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex
The SUCET Education Centre is officially opened and Mrs Linley Butler, Trustee of EASST who financed the centre, with Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex in attendance.
Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst HM The Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Mrs Linley Butler plant the WBGP Friendship tree in the Vitality Park
The Vitality Centre is opened to provide indoor space for EC4HP groups
Anna Firth MP visits Garon Park
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