2023-05-31 16:08:33
Garden centre run by learning disabled people welcomes the local community
National learning disability charity Hft is encouraging members of the local community to visit its garden centre in Ugley, run by and for learning disabled adults.
The garden centre, which has been around for over 30 years, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a primarily retail outlet for bedding plants to a thriving hub of learning and development for the adults supported by Hft.
It was originally a farming field but trustees of the charity challenged staff to transform the land and create a therapeutic space for learning disabled people. Thanks to staff and families, Hft has managed to fundraise for the garden centre to create an equally beneficial and enjoyable space.
Part of Hft’s day services which allow learning disabled adults to take part in things they enjoy, the centre is now welcoming members of the public to visit and take a look at the flourishing grounds, and the plants and homemade pottery for sale.
The charity also uses the space to prioritise learning and development for adults with a learning disability. Gardening has both physical and mental benefits for learning disabled people, providing an opportunity to get outdoors and socialise with others, negating feelings of anxiousness and loneliness.
The garden itself and the practice of gardening give enormous pleasure to many of the people supported by Hft. Gardening can have a profound impact including improvements in physical and psychological health, an adjustment in attitudes and behaviours, and the development of skills, knowledge and abilities.
“It also helps to improve mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and to improve participants’ physical activity through gentle exercise,” says Day Services Manager, Irena Adomaitiene.
“We want to encourage a sense of ownership in the people we support by encouraging them to grow their own plants and vegetables. We hope this will increase an understanding of the nutritional benefits of eating healthy local food.”
Hft also puts on pottery classes for adults with learning disabilities where they make items to sell at the garden centre. Irena explains how the classes are “very successful”, with two sessions of up to 15 people being held each day.
“Pottery is a creative therapy and a calming practice that enriches the people we support with an opportunity to explore their imagination while helping them adopt therapeutic methods, like mindful clay-sculpting or finding relaxation through painting,” she says.
“It has many benefits for the people we support such as improving fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive skills and relaxation. There is also a huge sense of achievement, which improves self-esteem and gives people the confidence to achieve their goals and dream big.”
If you are interested in visiting the garden centre, you can find the Hft team at Pound Lane, Ugley, CM22 6HP. The centre is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays (May – late September) from 10am to 4pm.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
