New community garden reduces isolation
4 September 2025
In a time when the spirit of the community is almost lost, it's a spark of positivity for the future in bringing people together.
PlaceShapers member emh joined with local residents and its partners in Ilkeston to celebrate the opening of a new community garden, providing a space for the local residents to meet and organise activities which aim to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.
The creation of this new community space was coordinated by emh and local resident Tim Bennett, and several of its partners who generated funds, materials and labour.
Joanne Tilley, Executive Director for Corporate Services at emh, said: “We’re delighted to have gathered with residents and our partners to celebrate the opening of this fantastic new community space. It’s been a real team effort and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to making this project happen. We want to say a big thank you to Tim Bennett, an active member of the community who initiated and has been involved with the garden since then. We look forward to seeing the garden in use by residents, and the impact it will have on the health and wellbeing of local people”.
The garden is next to the Erewash canal, which is home to local wildlife and a bridge providing access to the Bennerley Viaduct. Residents are already getting involved with organising activities in the space, with outdoor painting classes and metal detector workshops amongst some of those already planned. It is hoped this will be a space for everyone to enjoy together, and local groups will help to ensure it is an impressive community space.
Tim Bennett, active local resident, said: “Emh have given us a good foundation to start to build a better community. In a time when the spirit of the community is almost lost, it's a spark of positivity for the future in bringing people together through education and wellbeing. I would like to thank you all who were involved in making the idea a reality “.
Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) Ltd and Travis Perkins Managed Services contributed funds from Corporate Social Responsibility payments to help fund the work done on both this garden, and future community improvement projects at emh.
Rebecca Dermody-Simmons, Chief Executive, Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) said: "As a not-for-profit organisation, we're passionate about helping our members make a real difference in their communities. We are thrilled that emh homes have utilised their Community Donation from EEM to bring the new Cotmanhay community garden to life. This project embodies the power of collaboration, and we’re inspired by how emh homes, together with dedicated residents and partners, have come together to transform an unused space into a beautiful garden that everyone can enjoy. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts it will have on local wellbeing, and opportunities for residents to connect and enjoy a vibrant community space.”
Jonathan Hannaby, Account Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services added: “Travis Perkins Managed Services has been emh’s main material supplier partner for many years now. Over the years we have worked together on a variety of social projects. Projects like the Bridge Street one are so nice to be involved in, enhancing a local space for the community, which can be utilised for many years to come. We look forward to working in partnership on future projects.”
The work was coordinated by the emh grounds maintenance team, with sleepers for the raised beds donated by Harlow Timber, Pete Burton Ltd carrying out hard landscaping, gates were supplied and fitted by Ilkeston Fencing and tree surgery work carried out by Kent Tree Services.