A Sunderland project which will help connect local people to nature and reduce social isolation has received funding from Esh Construction’s Greener Communities programme.
International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS) is the first organisation to receive funding via the programme which was launched by Esh Construction in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation earlier this year.
Founded to respond to the North East region becoming a more diverse area, ICOS supports minority ethnic groups, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who reside in Sunderland.
The organisation will use the funding to help more than 100 people connect to nature by arranging activities in Barley Mow Park and Backhouse Park. This will include wildlife surveys and bird watching, biodiversity action workshops and the planting of seeds and bulbs.
Daniel Krzyszczak, engagement and operations manager at ICOS, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding via Esh’s Greener Communities programme. It is hoped that through this project we will help improve people’s knowledge of the environment around them and encourage behavioural change.
“The project will help local people to improve their wellbeing through contact with nature, as well as providing an opportunity break down intercultural barriers. We can’t wait to get started!”
Esh Construction is working with County Durham Community Foundation, an independent grant-making foundation, to support a minimum of 10 communities via the Greener Communities programme. A fund of £50,000 was allocated to support projects which are centred around green skills, climate resilience, improving green spaces and habitats.
Kate Marshall, Esh’s social value manager across the North East region, commented: “We launched the Greener Communities programme to assist those in the areas where we work to develop projects or initiatives which will have a positive impact on the environment. At Esh, we have always been passionate about leaving a legacy in our communities, and we’re really excited to see the benefits that will be delivered via the ICOS project.”
Esh Construction is working in Sunderland to deliver the new Ryhope Doxford Link Road, which is located just four miles from Barley Mow Park and Backhouse Park where ICOS will deliver the Greener Communities project. The 600m link road is being delivered on behalf of Sunderland City Council and will improve the transport network between Ryhope and Doxford, while also providing more sustainable transport routes.
Krzyszczak added: “We would like to welcome all no matter the age – let’s do it together. This is our park and we can make a huge difference! Please contact me at daniel@icos.org.uk if you can help, volunteer or if you have an idea for improvements!”
We launched the Greener Communities programme to assist those in the areas where we work to develop projects or initiatives which will have a positive impact on the environment. At Esh, we have always been passionate about leaving a legacy in our communities, and we’re really excited to see the benefits that will be delivered via the ICOS project.”
