New Powick essential shop at horticulture therapy centre to help villagers avoid Covid food miles - The Malvern Observer

New Powick essential shop at horticulture therapy centre to help villagers avoid Covid food miles

Malvern Editorial 20th Jan, 2021   0

A NEW Powick essential produce shop has been set-up at a horticulture therapy centre to help villagers avoid the stress of travelling afar to visit supermarkets.

Link Nurseries, which is part of college group WCG, specialises in providing therapeutic, vocational services and activities to improve people’s mental and physical health.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the centre – which is in walking distance for most Powick residents – is now selling essentials such as milk, eggs, and a variety of fresh vegetables.

The produce being sold is all sourced from producers locally and in the wider region, including milk from nearby Bennetts Farm.




Profits from the community essentials service will be invested directly back into Link Nurseries to support its work in supporting the mental and physical health of its clients and wider community.

Phil Woodhead, manager at Link Nurseries, said: “We are perfectly positioned in the village for people to walk to us and get their essentials and avoid the stress of the hustle and bustle of the major supermarkets.


“A little thing like not having to travel a long distance for your essentials can be a big difference, especially for the elderly.

“It’s been a great success so far and the community has been really grateful of the service we are providing. The process is being made as a quick and safe as possible, and if customers contact us before we can put together their shop for them in advance.

“There is a great community spirit here in Powick and that community ethos has grown exponentially in the last few months.

“The profits from this venture and re-purposing of our shop will go back into supporting our therapeutic activities, so the money goes straight back into the community.”

Link Nurseries is continuing to deliver its core services during lockdown, with strict safety measures in place. It has benefited from a third Covid-19 recovery grant from the Worcestershire Community Foundation and further donations from the community.

Phil added: “We’ve had to scale back some of our services as safety of people at Link Nurseries is our main priority.

“However, it’s vitally important for the physical and mental health of our clients and the wider community that we continue to deliver our programmes. Visiting the nurseries is a lifeline for many of these people.

“The support we have received from community fundraisers and the Worcestershire Community Foundation has been fantastic, and we will be able to continue our services and support people in these difficult times.”

Produce available at Link Nurseries includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, leeks and onions.

The shop, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, is also selling Pershore Press Juice. Link Nurseries is encouraging people to contact [email protected] or 01905 831 881 and pre-book their food shop, especially if they have any special requests.

To find out more about Link Nurseries visit www.wcg.ac.uk/linknurseries

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