On a once waterlogged and overlooked patch of land in Walker, a quiet transformation has been taking place – one measured not just in rows of ripening vegetables, but in confidence, connection and community. That transformation has now been recognised on a national stage, with Ngage NE Ltd and New Beginnings NE Ltd taking home the Community Engagement Award at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2026.
Held at Birmingham Town Hall and hosted by Sally Lindsay, the ceremony brought together leaders and changemakers from across the UK’s third sector. Glyn, Mark, Richard and I attended on behalf of everyone at the allotment – we not only celebrated the win but returned to Newcastle upon Tyne with fresh ideas, new connections and renewed momentum.
A simple but powerful idea
At its core, the Ngage Community Allotment is exactly what its name suggests: a shared growing space. But in practice, it is something far more. Designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities, neurodivergent individuals and those with complex needs, it offers a green outdoor space where connections are made, relationships flourish as well as fruit and vegetables grown from seed all the way to the table.
The project began with a simple but powerful idea. One individual, facing isolation, wanted an allotment but did not feel able to manage one alone. That desire sparked a wider realisation: others felt the same. From there, a collaborative effort emerged, supported by local authorities, organisations and the community. The site itself – once barren and flooded – presented challenges, but also opportunity.
A source of pride
Today, it is a thriving, inclusive environment. Raised beds overflow with seasonal produce. Paths wind through sensory planting areas designed to stimulate sight, touch, sound and smell. There is a bamboo xylophone, a ‘flower telephone’, a wildlife pond and quiet spaces. Every element has been shaped with accessibility and wellbeing in mind.
The allotment’s impact goes well beyond horticulture. For many of the people involved, this is their first experience of growing food from seed – learning how to nurture something over time, understanding where food comes from, and enjoying the reward of harvesting it.
Participants take produce home, often accompanied by simple recipes that encourage them to try new foods and develop cooking skills. It is a small but meaningful step towards greater independence and healthier living, and just as importantly, it is a source of pride.
Transformative experiences
There is a strong emphasis on celebrating achievement at the allotment. Whether it is a successful crop, a new skill learned or simply the confidence to try something different, progress is recognised and shared. For individuals like Ashleigh, the experience has been transformative. Inspired by her time at the allotment, she has gone on to purchase her own greenhouse, enabling her to continue gardening at home. It shows how confidence built in a supported environment can extend into everyday life.
While the allotment is a place of learning for participants, it is equally a place of growth for staff and volunteers. Mark, Ngage’s Community and Media Co-ordinator, has expanded his skill set to include gardening, allowing him to better support participants and share knowledge on the ground. This has included building our own growing trellis and no dig potato towers.
A point of connection
Positioned at the entrance to a busy allotment site, the Ngage plot is impossible to ignore. Visitors pass by daily, often stopping to chat, offer advice or lend a hand. What might otherwise be a closed or specialist space instead becomes a point of connection between different groups of people.
Weekly social afternoons and monthly barbecues have become key fixtures, drawing in not only allotment holders but a wide range of community members. University students, including those from Northumbria University, have contributed through placements and volunteering opportunities.
Local police officers drop in, building relationships in an informal setting. Corporate volunteers from companies such as North Standard and Northumbrian Water work alongside participants, sharing skills and breaking down barriers. Even representatives from the local city council and other local organisations regularly engage with the space, reinforcing its role as a bridge between sectors.
These interactions are not incidental – they are central to the project’s success. For individuals who are often marginalised, the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people outside their usual circles is invaluable. It fosters understanding, reduces stigma and builds genuine relationships.
For people with learning disabilities and complex needs, opportunities for meaningful outdoor engagement can be limited. The Ngage Community Allotment directly addresses this gap. It functions as a ‘green gym’, promoting physical activity in a relaxed, supportive environment.
A community-led initiative
Winning at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards is a significant milestone, not just for the organisations involved but for everyone connected to the allotment. The Awards are designed to highlight excellence and innovation across the sector, and we are so proud to be recognised.
Judges praised the transformation of the site and the tangible impact it has had on participants and the wider community. From a neglected plot to a vibrant, inclusive garden supporting around 30 neurodivergent individuals, the journey is a compelling example of what community-led initiatives can achieve.
Far from finished
Despite its success, the Ngage Community Allotment is far from finished. Plans are already in place to expand the variety of crops grown, further develop the sensory garden and improve accessibility across the site. There is also a focus on building a skills portfolio for participants – documenting what they have learned and enabling them to apply these skills in other contexts, including potential employment opportunities.
Partnerships will continue to play a key role, with ongoing collaboration between community groups, educational institutions and local organisations. Open days, fairs and regular updates through digital platforms ensure that the wider community remains engaged and informed.
The power of people coming together
What sets the Ngage Community Allotment apart is not just what it does, but how it does it. It is run by and for people with learning disabilities, giving participants real ownership and a voice. It challenges perceptions – demonstrating that with the right support and environment, people can create something that benefits not only themselves but the wider community. The growing number of partners and supporters is testament to that impact.
In a sector often defined by the services it provides, this project stands out for the community it builds. It shows that engagement is not a one-way process, but a dynamic exchange – of skills, ideas and experiences. Perhaps that is why, on a national stage filled with inspiring initiatives, this small allotment in Walker captured the attention of judges. In every connection made, it embodies something fundamental: the power of people coming together to grow something meaningful.
The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2026 winners were announced during a prestigious daytime ceremony at Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 17th April. For the full list of finalists and winners, click here. To find out when nominations open for 2027, follow @3rdsectorcare and sign up to CMM to get important inbox alerts.
Rachel Spencer is a Director at Ngage NE Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: @Ngage-NE-Ltd