Vertu Motors

The results of an exciting project set up to help address longstanding and documented underlining health inequalities amongst the African Caribbean community have been revealed.

The issues within the community were exacerbated during the pandemic, making them more susceptible to the devastating effects of Covid-19.

Supported by Bristol Street Motors, which operates a number of car dealerships across the West Midlands, the Back to Eden Community Allotment Project is based at the Heath Town Allotments, situated on the New Park Village estate in Wolverhampton.

During the official opening ceremony, a Windrush bench was unveiled and local children from Trinity CE Primary Academy planted a symbolic fruit tree.

The project brings significant benefits to the community including:

Facilitating friendships and galvanising community spirit

Supporting mental wellbeing with a pleasant open space

Developing skills to grow local produce

Encouraging physical activity

Encouraging healthy eating

Promoting intergenerational working through engagement with local schools and churches.

Allotment activities will focus on using horticulture and gardening activities, encouraging all age participation to grow fruit and vegetable crops, adopting healthier lifestyles, improving physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, as well as aiding community social interaction.

The involvement of Trinity CE Primary Academy and Heath Park High School will help to facilitate an intergenerational aspect of the project, allowing seniors and others to share Windrush stories in a relaxed natural environment.

The two allotment plots acquired by the Back to Eden Community Allotment Project had not been used for years and were overgrown and used for fly tipping. The plots have now been made safe and the project is appealing for further volunteers and support.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “This fantastic community initiative is something we are proud to support.

“To help people to help each other, and themselves, is very rewarding and I hope the project goes from strength to strength.”

Joe Jackson from Churches 4 positive change said: “This has been a very difficult year for the local community which prompted a number of churches in the area to come together to give something back.

“This project has been a combined effort from many different parties to create this fantastic area for people to enjoy for years to come. We want to thank Bristol Street Motors for their support towards the project, which will make a real difference in the community.”

The organisations that are member of Churches 4 Positive Change are currently: New Testament Church of God x 4, Church of God of Prophecy x 2, Seventh Day Adventist x 2, Zion City Tabernacle, Mount Shiloh Apostolic, Christian Life City and African Caribbean Community Initiative.

The Back To Eden Community Allotment Project is supported by Get Active Black Country, Windrush Day Grant, Awards For All, Bristol Street Motors, Carvers Building Supplies, Kingsway Project and Wolverhampton Homes.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors plc is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 154 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu Motors and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors plc was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 150 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – www.investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk /www.macklinmotors.co.uk / https://www.vertumotorcycles.com / https://www.vansdirect.co.uk/ / https://www.thetaxicentre.com/ / https://www.powerbulbs.com/