Growing Harmony With Nature and Each other
Meet The Team
Fizza Ahmed
Rest In Peace
A true advocate of nature based therapies. Fizza has volunteered at Seedley Park Community Allotments, Gardens and cafe on various elements of the gardens makeover. In a short space of time she has helped to create a magical wonderland as part of a team of community gardeners. Working in the NHS for over 10 years as secretarial, IT and Communications within GP practices in Manchester she has a full understanding of the referral pathways within the hospital and community settings. During the Pandemic she has seen first hand the impact the Covid virus has had on our communities specifically the increase in anxiety, depression social isolations. Her dream is for Growing Togetherness to create a symbiotic relationship with the diverse communities of Greater Manchester and the natural ecosystem that lie within its boundaries.
Karen Ainsworth
With an endless supply of energy Karen has supported many local and national charities and organisations with fundraising initiative. An avid runner you will often see her jogging around the local area of Buile Hill Park. Having joined the Friends of Buile Hill Park in 2017 she kickstarted the coffee mornings and other community events within Seedley Park Pavillion together with other members of FOBHP. She also supports The Life Centre and Langworthy Cornerstone with her passion. She is now a proud Director of Growing Togetherness and her area of focus is supporting local community members to adapt a more sustainable lifestyle through exercise. Together with her husband and son they have lived in Salford all their lives and proud to call it their home. Her dream is to learn more ways to grow and cook your own produce.
Mark Frith
With a passion for community development and cohesion Mark is focused on how communities work together to create their own sustainable futures. Escaping the rat race of the city he has worked in the charity sector since 2009 on various large scale sustainable community projects. Since going freelance in 2019 he has completed a person centred counselling qualification which has assisted him to understand the dynamic nature of the mind and how people can reflect on their past to help create a better future. He has kickstarted the Seedley Park Community Allotments, Gardens and Cafe together with the Friends of Buile Hill Park, Salford Croquet Team and a dedicated band of Allotmenteers and Community Gardeners.
Chris Heys
A Civil Engineer by trade Chris has a passion for designing and creating. Upcyclying, repurposing and designing with reclaimed materials. He is a fantastic advocate for how to live more sustainably and enjoy a better balanced lifestyle. A fellow Allotmenteer at the Seedley Park Pavillion Community Allotments, Gardens and cafe he has supported its development with his adaptable skill set. Continuously learning and sharing nuggets of knowledge between fellow plot holders is of great enjoyment to him. His dream as with all the Directors is to ensure we inspire others to create a sustainable legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Dr Wassim Malas
Working as a GP Wassim recognises the value of social and nature based activities to help with healing both the mind and body. Along with his partner Johnathan they are keen gardeners. Together They have benefited from the power of nature to improve their overall health and wellbeing during the pandemic by taking on a small allotment at Seedley Park Pavillion Community Allotments, Gardens and cafe. His area of interest in Social Prescribing and would encourage others to explore how you can improve your health through volunteering or exploring nature based activities.
Ondrej Obediar
Originating from Slovakia, Ondrej studied at Liverpool and Salford universities and has graduated with BSC Hons Psychology and MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies). Since graduating he has been successfully working as a Job Coach for the NHS. He is our Health and Well-Being lead and Allotmenteer at Seedley Park Pavillion Community Allotments, Gardens and cafe. His area of interest is how nature helps to improve individual’s mental health and using lifestyle coaching he can help you adapt to a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Mike Scantlebury
Now retired and living the good life Mikes business experience is that of a Community Development Worker. In the 1980s he worked for the Coop Development Agency to give Business Advice and training to new co ops and small businesses. He is passionate about sustainability and how we can adapt as humans to live more sustainably. Fully supportive of a long list of community initiatives he is the secretary of Incredible Edible Salford and with his long term partner Jane are the world famous Jane and Mike Band an eco entertainers ensemble. He also runs a regular radio program called Green Giraffe and Worms on Salford City Radio 94.4FM.
Ways to join the team
We welcome the help and support of our wider community seeking out partnership projects with like minded individuals and institutions.
Do you share our passions for a more sustainable and compassionate future where we RESPECT nature, each other and ourselves?
Join us to challenge the status quo and form a new pathway we can be proud to leave behind for future generations.
For an initial chat please contact
Mark Frith
07703 716 550