During the financial year, Hemp Garden Community Association CIC delivered community benefit by maintaining, improving and enhancing Elvet Green, a publicly accessible green space in Durham City, through volunteer-led environmental stewardship and community engagement. The maintained green space continued to provide opportunities for recreation, informal exercise, community activities and enjoyment by residents, visitors and other members of the public throughout the year. Volunteers carried out a wide range of practical activities this year, including grass cutting, hedge maintenance, litter collection, planting, general grounds maintenance, and environmental improvements. These activities helped maintain a safe, welcoming and accessible space for members of the public while supporting local biodiversity and encouraging responsible use of the site. The Company also organised and supported community activities and volunteer opportunities that encouraged local residents and visitors to become involved in improving and caring for the space. These activities promoted community participation, environmental awareness and social inclusion by providing opportunities for people to work together for the benefit of the wider community. All income received during the financial year was derived from voluntary donations and community fundraising activities. Those funds were reinvested to deliver the Company's community objectives, including the purchase of gardening equipment, plants, maintenance materials, operational supplies, marketing and communication resources, travel costs, and other expenses directly associated with maintaining and improving Elvet Green. As a volunteer-led Community Interest Company, the Company operated for the benefit of the community rather than for private profit. The activities undertaken during the financial year improved the quality and accessibility of a valued public green space, encouraged volunteering and community participation, supported environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and provided lasting recreational, environmental and social benefits for the local community in accordance with the Company's community interest objectives.

Throughout the financial year, Hemp Garden Community Association CIC maintained an open and ongoing dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders, including hundreds of members of the public, local residents, volunteers, park users, local business owners, community groups, charitable organisations, educational institutions and other organisations with an interest in Elvet Green. Stakeholder engagement took place through regular face-to-face conversations during volunteer sessions and community activities held at Elvet Green, together with meetings, email correspondence, social media engagement and ongoing informal discussions with people using the site. The Company also sought community feedback through social media and petitions relating to the future use, protection and improvement of Elvet Green, enabling local people to share their views, priorities and aspirations for the space. Feedback received from stakeholders played an important role in shaping the Company's work throughout the year. It informed priorities for environmental improvements, biodiversity enhancement, accessibility, volunteer opportunities, community activities and the long-term stewardship of Elvet Green. Engagement with local organisations, businesses and community groups also helped identify opportunities for partnership working, community involvement and future development. The Company remains committed to ensuring that stakeholder engagement is an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise. Feedback continues to inform decision-making and helps ensure that the Company's activities, resources and plans remain focused on delivering meaningful and lasting benefit to the local community in accordance with its community interest objectives.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration