Creating a holistic community space for those in need

In response to these community needs, the charity established its first Veterans, Homeless and Community Hub in the Thistle Innovation Park (an industrial site in Cowdenbeath).

The project is located in the former coalfield region of Fife.  The area experiences higher-than-average rates of unemployment and social deprivation, with significant numbers of people facing food insecurity, mental health challenges, and social isolation.

The Hub's approach is holistic, addressing local people’s immediate physical needs while also supporting their mental wellbeing and social connection. Offering a warm space and access to free food and clothing, the Hub seeks to provide a stigma-free space for vulnerable individuals to seek support.

The charity has also created a community garden at the site, a space where visitors can relax, socialise, or get involved in gardening activities.

In 2023, with an award of just under £750 from the Mossmorran Community Fund, the garden was expanded to include a polytunnel and raised bed for vegetable growing. The Knights Templar Goodwill team designed the vegetable garden with accessibility in mind, ensuring that those with disabilities and older people could participate comfortably.  Given the Hub's location in an industrial park and its use of shipping containers, the team celebrated this industrial heritage by reusing equipment such as old tyres to create raised beds.

During the first growing season, volunteers and visitors participating in community gardening sessions were able to grow strawberries, rhubarb, peas, potatoes, gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes.

This harvest directly benefited Hub users in multiple ways, with some produce distributed to visitors, whilst the potatoes were particularly valuable, enabling the creation of 83 nutritious meals in the Hub's kitchen. The vegetable garden has brought many other benefits beyond the physical harvest. Over 523 beneficiaries have been reached through the project. 

Through hands-on participation in the garden, visitors have gained practical growing skills and learned to cook nutritious meals economically, as well as simply enjoying the benefits of time outdoors.

One experience that particularly demonstrates the project's impact is that of James*, a veteran who had been struggling with isolation following the loss of his housing. James initially came to the Hub for emergency food and clothing and after several visits, was invited by volunteers to join the community gardening sessions. Despite having no previous gardening experience, James found working in the garden gave him a sense of purpose. Over time, his confidence grew, and he began sharing recipes with other visitors and volunteers. James has since become a regular volunteer, mentoring newcomers and taking particular responsibility for the potato crops.

As James puts it: "Having somewhere to come where I can be useful again has changed everything for me." (*names have been changed)

Despite challenges in the first year, with particularly heavy rainfall affecting many of the crops, the team have learned valuable lessons for future harvests. This year, they plan to focus more on hardy vegetables and fruits that thrive in Scottish weather conditions and are developing solutions to protect crops during prolonged wet periods.

The project showcases how even small grants can support the fund’s objectives to enhance the quality of life for local residents and promote community spirit. By creating a space where people can work together, learn new skills, and contribute to producing food for the community, the vegetable garden has fostered meaningful connections and purpose among participants, in turn boosting health & well-being.

As one volunteer observed: "The garden has become so much more than just a place to grow vegetables. It's where people grow friendships, skills, and hope. When someone tastes food they've helped to grow, you can see something change in them—a new kind of confidence that spreads to other parts of their lives."

Looking ahead, the Knights Templar Goodwill Charity is already planning an orchard project in collaboration with Fife Council and The Fife Golf Trust—further extending the environmental and community impact of the garden space.

Read more about the Mossmorran Wind Farm Community Fund.