Horticultural therapy grows skills for work

redwelly, Metropolitan’s community-based gardening project in Derby and Nottingham, is inviting adults with learning disabilities to join its training programme and enjoy the benefits of horticultural therapy.

The call for more trainees comes at a time when Derbyshire County Council has highlighted that a fifth of the 1,000 people with learning disabilities who use its services can find employment if they are given the right training and support. By undertaking redwelly’s programme, trainees learn a range of gardening and social skills, giving them the confidence they need to find work.

A specialist in providing training and support to adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities, as well as those with mental health needs, redwelly provides horticultural therapy in Derby and Nottingham and the surrounding areas. Trainees learn about activities including garden maintenance skills, basic woodworking, growing plants and flowers, and small landscaping works.

Debbie Hackett, a redwelly designer and horticultural therapist, said: “The difference you notice in someone from when they first come along and as they progress throughout the programme is astonishing. You see them grow in confidence and they are often amazed at how much they can achieve.”

The introduction of personalised budgets for those in receipt of benefits means that people with care and support needs now have more choice about where they obtain their care services. For £20 a day, redwelly offers a great value option for those who want to learn new skills and enjoy spending time outside.

“Horticultural therapy is still a fairly new practice but the benefits are endless,” says Debbie. “It promotes exercise and positive mental health, improves cognitive and motor skills and helps people connect with one another as they learn and develop. It is also a perfect reason to spend time outdoors.”

redwelly’s customers are referred from a variety of sources including Mencap, colleges and social workers. Anyone who is referred will be assessed in a non-threatening and inclusive way so redwelly can develop an individual programme for each trainee that offers optimum therapeutic and educational benefits. To find out more please contact the redwelly team on 020 3535 3354.

The redwelly service is closing. If you are a customer or partner of redwelly or have any questions about the closure, please contact Lesley Watson, Community Engagement Manager on 020 3535 3354.