Goodlives, a community growing project based in the West Lakes Science Park, has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and enhancing the well-being of its participants. Operated by Skills4You, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to employment, Goodlives provides a unique environment where participants can engage in outdoor activities that improve mental health, thereby increasing their potential for employment. A key aspect of their mission has been the development of a kitchen cabin where learners can be taught how to cook the ingredients they have grown. However, to fully utilise this space, a reliable water connection was essential—a goal that took a long time to achieve.
The path to securing a water connection for the kitchen cabin was long and challenging. It took persistent fundraising efforts to gather the necessary funds to bring water to the site. Understanding the importance of this project, Kaefer, a leading provider of integrated services, generously paid for the initial connection of water to the site. This was a significant step forward, but further assistance was needed to complete the connection to the kitchen cabin itself.
Recognising the value of Goodlives’ mission, MITIE, a prominent facilities management and professional services company, stepped in to support the final phase of the water connection project. As part of their commitment to social impact, MITIE provided the necessary materials and funded the connection of water directly to the kitchen cabin. This contribution was instrumental in helping Goodlives achieve their long-term goal of utilising the kitchen cabin as an educational and sustainable resource.
With the water connection now in place, Goodlives use the kitchen cabin to teach learners how to cook the fresh produce they have grown. This not only enhances their culinary skills but also deepens their understanding of sustainable living practices. Moreover, the kitchen cabin will enable Goodlives to produce jams, chutneys, and other goods that can be sold to local businesses and at the West Lakes Science Park, further supporting their sustainability mission. A huge thank you to Lucy Bailey, MITIE’s social value lead, who always believed in the vision and never forgot her promise.
MITIE’s contribution to the Goodlives water connection project has had a profound impact on the community. By providing the materials and funding necessary to complete the water connection, MITIE has enabled Goodlives to fully realise their vision of a kitchen cabin that serves as a hub for learning, sustainability, and community engagement. This project not only benefits the participants by improving their mental health and employability but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable practices within the local community. Through the amazing generosity of MITIE, the kitchen cabin is now poised to become a vital, buzzing resource in Goodlives.
