Lockdown was a strange time for everyone. For a lot of us it meant finding things to do whist stuck inside for months, from home workouts to baking. Lots of hobbies were short lived.
Rose found a real passion over lockdown, and our Green Loan allowed her to take this passion further…
Rose’s journey
Rose joined South Manchester Credit Union back in 2014, as she was moving into a new home and wanted some support with the costs.
She was born and raised in South Manchester and is now raising 5 children of her own here.
During lockdown, Rose discovered a passion for gardening.
Lockdown struggles
Rose had a lot going on during lockdown, from giving birth to finding out her mum was terminally ill. Because of this, Rose was taking extra precautions, even when things started to become more relaxed.
Rose wanted to find something she could do to distract herself and stay busy – what started as cleaning the garden turned into finding something she really enjoyed.
“It was basically boredom – started with cleaning up the garden and gradually grew from there.”
Discovering our Green Loan
Rose found out about our Green Loan in 2023 through an email and thought it sounded like the perfect thing for her. She always puts her children first, so the Green Loan enabled Rose to do something nice for herself.
“When you’ve got so many kids you can’t splash out on something for yourself as you always need something for them.”
“When I saw the email I thought wow, I definitely need to try that.”
“It flashed right at me when I saw it.”
Rose has now had 3 Green Loans with us, all for items to help with her gardening. She has purchased a greenhouse and grows her own fruit and vegetables.
Rose described the application process as “straight-forward, understanding and supportive”. She told us us that getting the Green Loans she has had meant everything to her.
“It means everything, it gives me something to look forward to.”
Gardening success
Rose has gone from cleaning her garden one day to growing her very own fruit and vegetables – isn’t gardening great!
She has become closer to her neighbours who share an interest in gardening. Rose now has something to do to unwind during times of stress, and she’s saving a fortune in apples!
Her 8-year-old son has found great enjoyment in getting involved with the gardening!
“It got to the point where I could be in the garden for a while, not even realising the time – it’s very therapeutic.”
“We have an apple tree; it comes in handy as my kids love apples.”
Rose’s Tips
To anyone debating picking up gardening / growing your own fruit and vegetables, Rose says, “Give it a go, you’ll be surprised at how much you will enjoy it.”
Our Green Loan has been perfect for Rose; it has allowed her to do something she really enjoys whilst benefiting her mental wellbeing.
“It is definitely relaxing, I would recommend getting into gardening to everyone – especially anyone who may be going through a hard time!”
Why South Manchester Credit Union?
Rose has been with us for over 10 years now – she often recommends us to friends and family.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be leaving the credit union.”
“It’s just there, it helps – it’s great for families.”
Join Rose – make your garden greener
Rose has an amazing story, from difficult times during lockdown to finding her passion.
Rose’s 3 words to describe South Manchester Credit Union?
“Reliable, brilliant and friendly.”
Join Rose and many others who are making green changes to their lifestyles with our Green Loan!
