2023-05-09 14:29:32
Learning disabled people embrace sun, rain and soil at Saffron Acres
People supported by Hft, a national learning disability charity, have been getting stuck into a hive of horticultural activity at Saffron Acres, an award-winning therapeutic food growing and gardening project in Leicester.
The project is run by the Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council (SLNC) which offers support, training and opportunities to people in the local community. Its Saffron Acres project has been running since 2006, and encompasses 13 acres of land, offering the chance for local people to take part in therapeutic gardening, building job-related skills, or gaining volunteering experience.
Learning disabled adults supported by Hft and who attend Saffron Acres’ activities have not been afraid to get their hands dirty, throwing themselves into various gardening escapades. Recently, they took part in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Big Seed Sow, the Keep Britain Tidy campaign’s British Spring Clean, and a tree-planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy. The project also runs a Buddy Scheme, through which people supported by Hft can build new friendships.
The group from Hft, known as the Muddy Shoe crew, are learning new skills like sowing seeds, weeding and watering and working together in all weathers to build confidence and fitness.
Henry Parry-Williams, Team Coordinator at Hft Leicestershire, says: “The group has a great team spirit that gets them through the gardening, no matter what the weather’s like.
“Log books help them make note of their achievements and any skills they have learnt. They’ve also been receiving certificates when they reach certain milestones, giving them a welcome incentive for their gardening abilities to grow.”
Laura Gray, the project manager for Saffron Acres, explains that the project welcomes all members of the community, who might go to them for all sorts of reasons, whether it is therapeutic gardening, job skills, work experience and volunteering.
“Since 2014 we have also taken on an adjoining site called Saffron Heath which was a disused, problem area for antisocial behaviour, and we have turned it into a stunning ‘Urban Oasis’ environmental project, complete with kitchen, classrooms and rejuvenated historic site features.”
Every session has something different for Hft’s learning disabled adults to get involved with, and activities change with the seasons. Typical activities are usually themed around gardening and the outdoors, with a therapeutic element aimed at supporting or improving people’s mental and physical health.
“Most people attend for a few hours a week,” continues Laura. “We receive grant funding which enables our staff to provide activities and opportunities for the many people who come to us, and to facilitate people visiting and accessing the project safely. Some of our visitors attend independently, although many attend with a carer, or as part of a visiting external group.”
Saffron Acres has some more exciting activities lined up, from meeting baby lambs and planting in the polytunnels to making jam. They will also be running activities to coincide with national schemes such as “Good to Grow” and “Hedgehog Awareness”.
Over the next few months the group will also be taking part in “It’s Your Neighbourhood” and “Cultivation Street” with lots of fun activities and all working together to reach a common goal and be proud to be giving back to the community.
“At the end of the day, everyone can choose to engage in different activities as they prefer, and we love being able to open the door to new opportunities for people,” says Laura.
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
