A Worcestershire horticulture therapy centre is hoping to win vital funding from a supermarket chain.

Link Nurseries, in Powick, is one of three local community projects in the running for funding from Tesco Community Grants Scheme, ran in partnership with the charity Groundwork.

The centre provides therapeutic and vocational services to aid mental and physical health.

Phil Woodhead, manager at Link Nurseries, said: “Grant funding is essential to helping us to deliver our horticultural therapy provision at Link Nurseries.

“Following the pandemic we are seeing more and more people come to us to see the benefits horticulture can have on their physical and mental health.

“There has been a lot of pressure put on people’s wellbeing over the last two years and we hope that our clubs can do their little bit to relieve some of that pressure.

“If we are lucky enough to be successful in our application for the Tesco Community Grants Scheme we will be able to give more people a chance to try horticulture, meet new friends and help members to feel less isolated.

“We would be very grateful for anyone who takes the time to vote for us. Funding will go directly into supporting a valued resource for the community.”

Link Nurseries, part of Warwickshire College Group, will use the money on materials and to expand two of its projects.

The Well Bean Gardening Club provides a space for gardeners to develop new skills and cultivate their own vegetables and flowers while the soon-to-launch Mini Allotment Club offers less structured sessions, offering people their own plots.

Shoppers at Tesco stores in Droitwich and Worcester will be able to cast their vote from now until March 31, by using a token given to them at check-out.

The project which receives the most votes will receive £1,500, second place will receive £1,000 and third place, £500.

Across Britain, the Tesco’s Community Grants scheme has provided over £90 million to more than 40,000 projects.

Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Participating stores:

  • Tesco Superstore St Peter's
  • Tesco Superstore Warndon
  • Tesco Express Droitwich
  • Tesco Express Foregate Street
  • Tesco Express Henwick Park
  • Tesco Express Warndon