Community

The Outsiders Project was initially a site-specific storytelling show created by Nell Leyshon and four outsider artists for the BEAF Festival. The project is now an organisation that supports unheard and marginalised members of the Boscombe community by giving them a voice through various art forms. The artists themselves write, speak, and perform their own stories and words. The work is of exceptional quality and is showcased locally before being shared with a wider audience. The Outsiders Project conducts workshops and monthly forums, as well as collaborates with other organisations to produce their work.
Email: caroline.bjohnson@recreatedorset.co.uk
Visit: recreatedorset.co.uk

Seeking Refuge is a creative, collaborative project sharing the hidden voices of people who have been forced to flee their homes. Seeking Refuge is an on going project that works with people seeking asylum in the UK and people that have settled in Bournemouth through on going creative workshops, such as textiles and photography, as well as working with locally commissioned artists.
Email: caroline.bjohnson@recreatedorset.co.uk
Visit: recreatedorset.co.uk

The Orchard Garden was built during the 2015 refurbishment of TOSH. For years the garden contained just four fruit trees, with spring bulbs and wildflowers growing up each Summer. The garden was plain and underused, but had lots of potential.

With thanks to two years funding from the People’s Health Trust, with money raised through Health Lottery South Wes  we have consulted with our community and commissioned a new garden design by our Landscape Architect. Our theme is 'Food for Us, Food for Nature' and it will be a sanctuary to learn, grow, work, rest and harvest in.  

So far we have used our garden to run monthly workshops, learning growing and creative skills to save money and grow fresh food at home. In Summer 2023, we invited our community to help us start building the garden. Using reclaimed bricks donated by our community, we are building pathways with minimal concrete to have a low impact on nature.

Next, we will be adding further fruit trees, fruit bushes and climbers - plus planting flower bulbs ready to help feed the insects in Spring. We will then add new seating and meeting areas, herb beds and a play corner, as well as beautiful community artwork.

Join Us! For our tree and bulb planting events plus winter celebrations keep an eye on our Events.

In 2024 we will be hosting further Garden Skills workshops every other Sunday from mid-Jan to help our community learn how to grow easy herbs, salad and veg. Sign up to our newsletter to stay updated.

If you would like to get involved in volunteering at the garden, please contact Garden Coordinator melinda@recreatedorset.co.uk  

We have plenty to do - join us for one session - or all!

This project has been made possible with funding from the People’s Health Trust using money raised by Health Lottery South West. We have also received donations from JPMorgan, Wessex Water and more.

Young at Heart is a program that focuses on working with older communities who are often isolated due to health, language barriers, and financial challenges. The initiative is funded through the People's Health Trust and is being carried out in collaboration with Recreate Dorset. The two-year program aims to provide support to the elderly Polish community and their families residing in Boscombe.
Email: caroline.bjohnson@recreatedorset.co.uk
Visit: recreatedorset.co.uk