PLOT 1625 ANNOUNCED AS SELCO COMMUNITY HEROES FINALIST

PLOT 1625 is the fourth finalist of our 2026 Community Heroes initiative, recognising the community interest company (CIC)’s work in striving to support young people with additional needs living in and around Gillingham.

Standing out amongst the applications from July, the community project was selected by a panel including celebrity judge and TV tradesperson, Rob Bent. The campaign was relaunched this year, after research found that half of Brits (48%) say community spaces have disappeared in their neighbourhoods.

PLOT 1625 will join seven more finalists selected between April and November 2026 to face a public vote in December, which will decide the Community Heroes 2026 winner who will receive £15,000 in cash.

PLOT 1625 is a developing community allotment and outdoor learning project in Gillingham, informed by occupational therapy principles. It aims to support young people aged 16–25 with additional needs as they transition into adulthood.

Through teaching skills such as gardening and growing produce, and encouraging participation in outdoor activities, PLOT 1625 hopes to inspire confidence and independence, all whilst teaching practical life skills and building social connections between young people.

Thanks to the win, PLOT 1625 has secured £2,000 to spend in its local store, Selco Rochester. This funding will be used to purchase supplies such as timber and fixings which will help transform the allotment into a safe and accessible learning space. The materials will be used to create raised beds, a communal table and seating area, fencing and gates, making the space ready to welcome its users.

Lisa Doherty, PLOT 1625 Project Lead, Occupational Therapist and one of its three founding directors, said: "Being selected as a Community Heroes finalist means so much to all of us at PLOT 1625. We are still beginning our journey, working hard to build something valuable for our community. This support arrives at exactly the right time, providing the practical help we need to start turning our plans into reality. We are incredibly grateful."

Now in its sixth year – and with a bigger prize fund than ever before at £62,000 – the Selco Community Heroes initiative is designed to benefit small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

David Lennon, Commercial Director at Selco, said: “PLOT 1625 is doing fantastic work to create an inclusive outdoor space where young people with additional support needs can learn, grow and develop their independence.

We were really impressed by their vision and the positive impact the project will have on young people in the local community, which is why we were delighted to crown them a Selco Community Heroes finalist.”

Local charities and community projects are encouraged to find out more about Community Heroes and apply online.