Charities

Volunteers help turn former factory into a garden of hope

Good News Post

Aug 25, 2026 — 2 min read

The team from PfP’s Thrive at Growing Lives in Ilkeston - supplied PenguinPR

By Community Correspondent

A team of volunteers has been getting stuck into some serious gardening to help keep an Ilkeston project supporting people who have experienced homelessness flourishing.

Staff from PfP Thrive, a housing and construction training centre run by Places for People, spent a day at Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives project in Cotmanhay.

They weeded, trimmed hedges, cleaned paths and built raised beds at the project, which has transformed a former curtain tape factory into a peaceful garden and day centre.

Growing Lives gives people who have experienced homelessness, as well as those referred through drug and alcohol services, a chance to learn practical skills and build confidence.

Activities include gardening, bike maintenance, cooking, crafts and art.

*The garden at Growing Lives - supplied PenguinPR*

The volunteering day builds on an existing partnership between PfP Thrive and Derventio Housing Trust, which includes training for Derventio’s housing and support staff.

Andrew Corser, Partnership Manager at PfP Thrive, said:

“This was about real community partnership in action and it was great to see colleagues from Places for People and Derventio Housing Trust come together to help create a peaceful retreat for people using this space.”

Derventio Housing Trust supports around 1,200 people a year across five counties, providing accommodation and support to people who might otherwise be homeless.

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Sarah Hernandez, Managing Director of Derventio Housing Trust, said Growing Lives had proved “invaluable” in helping people move towards a more positive future.

“So many former residents tell us how it helped them on to independent living and being economically active again,” she said.

The garden has been described as an “oasis” of tranquillity – and thanks to the volunteers, it is looking even better.

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