Kippax garden scheme is just one of several Leeds charities to benefit from Zurich Covid cash

The Growing Zone, in Kippax, near Leeds, was created in 2007 from five derelict allotments to bring together people with and without disabilities, visual impairment and learning needs in a safe outdoor environment. The space allows users to build confidence and mix with people in their community – as well as teach each other about the land, grow vegetables, flowers and fruit.

The project was just one charity in Yorkshire to receive a share of £60,000 from the trust, which is Zurich’s UK charitable arm. The initiative aims to award £1m in funding to charities working to support those hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

Other recipients include Dementia Forward (supporting those who suffer from dementia), Ruddi’s Retreat (sending children and their families affected by cancer and other life limiting illnesses on respite breaks), Simon on the Streets (supporting rough sleepers in Leeds) and Take Heart (providing support for patients and relatives in Leeds General Infirmary).

Zurich has also provided skills-based assistance - including a series of webinars covering issues like digital marketing and an external PR workshop -and is looking to launch more than 50 online training courses provided by Hemsley Fraser to partner charities. Staff are also being encouraged to use their three allocated volunteering days as an opportunity to support people and communities affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

June Perkin, chairman of The Growing Zone, said: “The ZCT mean a lot to us at The Growing Zone. We are so grateful for their continued support – especially through the trials of lockdown. They have allowed us to ‘keep the lights on’– which has meant a huge amount to those with and without disabilities that make the garden as beautiful as it is.”

MP Alec Shelbrooke, patron of The Growing Zone, added: “I’ve watched The Growing Zone go from strength to strength and seeing the whole operation do such good work has been hugely gratifying.”