A green-fingered charity is helping people dealing with and overcoming homelessness by getting them growing.

Ilford Recorder: Organiser Jess Murray with Neil Millington on the allotmentOrganiser Jess Murray with Neil Millington on the allotment (Image: Archant)

Single Homeless Project (SHP), which helps its clients deal with relationship breakdown, bereavement, mental illness, addiction and getting into employment, has been planting seeds at the Loxford Lane allotments in Staines Road, Ilford, to help users flourish.

The charity, which provides accommodation to about 7,000 people across London, has become a lifeline to its Redbridge users with its workshops in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, and projects such as the weekly gardening project.

East London team manager Michael Corbishley said: “We provide support to single people and families who are at risk – from people fleeing domestic violence to people leaving prison.

“Our programmes are about self-esteem and building people’s confidence,” said Michael.

Ilford Recorder: Organiser Jess Murray with Neil Millington on the allotmentOrganiser Jess Murray with Neil Millington on the allotment (Image: Archant)

“When they’re in a bigger group they realise they’re not alone and there’s other people in their situation too.”

Garden project organiser Jess Murray said: “It helps people learn new skills and it even helps people get into work.

“It’s also quite therapeutic and it’s beneficial for people with mental health issues – it gives people an outlet and there’s social benefits to it too.”

Jess said the group is looking for more volunteers to help run sessions.

Email jmurray@shp.org.uk to get involved.