Marchmont are dedicated to creating a positive difference in the communities in which we operate. Generating positive Social Value is as important to us as developing and investing in buildings which are fit for the future, with green energy and carbon reduction a core focus.
As part of our strategy to deliver these aspirations, Marchmont has partnered with the organisation Action Funder, a community engagement platform, which links businesses and organisations with local charities and community groups. The social impact platform enables the direction of funds to smaller grass roots organisations and communities, thereby helping to create measurable and long-term impact. The small community groups, non-profit organisations and charities engaged on the platform are unlikely to benefit from regular donations and so any funds received create a tangible difference.
This support has increased the engagement of beneficiaries so they are more likely to come back in the future – Minding the Garden participant
Marchmont’s 2023 Community Fund was allocated to the group ‘Minding the Garden at Hart’s Green Garden‘. This local group is located near Marchmont’s development scheme at Intec Business Park, Basingstoke, at which we are acting as Development Managers on behalf of Pictet.
This support has positively impacted our wider community – Minding the Garden participant
Minding the Garden describe themselves as a social and therapeutic community garden which brings local people together to improve their health and wellbeing. Located at Edenbrook Country Park, the community garden group provides a shared space for both social and therapeutic horticultural activity. The garden provides a place to engage with nature, make connections within the community and allows people to learn and develop their gardening skills.
Marchmont were delighted to hear the positive testimonials regarding how our Community Fund has bought impacts to Minding the Garden. We hope the organisation continues to thrive and their community grow.
For more information about Action Funder and the differences it is making in communities across the UK visit here: www.actionfunder.org
Marchmont will soon be partnering with other Action Funder organisations as part of our 2024 Community Fund, and look forward to realising further net positive impacts in local communities.
Married for over 50 years, Mary became her husband, David’s carer when he was diagnosed with dementia in 2017; as David’s condition deteriorated Mary found that there were fewer activities they could enjoy together; their world slowly became smaller. Mary and David first visited the garden in summer 2022 and have since become regular members, recounting their experience, Mary said “the Garden has become a really important part of our week; in such a safe environment David and I can both enjoy the garden; I can forget that I’m his carer and focus on the garden. I particularly enjoy spending time with lovely, supportive people and chatting about anything and everything. – Minding the Garden participant
