The Gatherers
Connecting isolated people across rural libraries by rekindling the art of flower pressing and organising wildflower-based activities – helping social connections to flourish.
The Local Challenge
In rural North Devon, barriers like transport issues and lack of disposable income hinder community participation. Braunton Library is stepping up to change this with accessible workshops in local hubs like playgroups, day centres and youth clubs. By offering refreshments and creating a welcoming environment, the friendly library staff – who often hear stories of loss and loneliness – are crucial in reconnecting the community. They provide not just advice and signposting but also much-needed companionship.
The Initiative
The Gatherers is connecting people and place through plants and stories, tackling social isolation and loneliness in five rural North Devon libraries. A collaboration between Braunton Library and local creative charity Honeyscribe, the initiative is aimed at isolated locals, including those who are not digitally connected, people with long-term disabilities, new parents, new arrivals to the area, unemployed people and those who have been recently bereaved. Activities include making flower presses from old library books, creating bookmarks and cards, and planting seasonal flowers. Drop-in workshops inspire conversations and co-creation, while wildflower walks are helping local connections to flourish.
After The Europe Challenge
The Gatherers has boosted the self-esteem and lifted people’s moods through creative activities and has been hugely successful, with lasting partnerships made. They feel that libraires can demonstrate their crucial role in supporting the communities they serve, by working with artists. They intend to bid as a consortium for funding to carry on with the work and to use the learning on the Gatherers project in other libraries in Devon, where complex social needs require. They said: ”How kind and supportive the local surfing community are and how creating opportunities for people to meet together, they actively find ways to help support one another.”
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
