Features / St Werburgh's City Farm
New greenhouse supports adults with learning difficulties
At the bottom of the St Werburghs City Farm sits a greenhouse bursting with both vegetation and opportunity. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the greenhouse helps people find something calm and proactive to invest their time in.
The area was specifically developed to help adults with learning difficulties develop their gardening abilities and socialize with others while nurturing something to grow.
The outdoor space in the greenhouse
A St Werburghs City Farm employee said: “People are becoming more enthusiastic and engaged. You see something go from plant to seed. You see success.”
is needed now More than ever
The greenhouse was sponsored by the Enovert Community Trust, who granted the city farm £36,000 for the project. The greenhouse also attracted 30 new volunteers who developed the educational side through interpretation boards and more.
Angela Haymonds, trust secretary of Enovert Community Trust, said: “The trustees were delighted to provide a grant to cover the cost of the new greenhouse installation. St Werburghs City Farm provides a fantastic community support network to dozens of local people with additional learning needs, many of whom do not attend other regular services.
“The new greenhouse will ensure that this support can be delivered all year round.”
With learning difficulties can come major stress, so being out with nature away from the noise and business of the roads and town can be very beneficial to those needing extra support: “Vulnerable adults can have a difficult time with anxiety and space. Down here, in the greenhouse, we have a calm and peaceful place for people to come,” says the employee.
The area is managed by the people using the greenhouse and allows everyone there to develop real gardening skills, the city farm employee saying:“People are down in the green house three days a week, five people at a time, doing all sorts from watering and weeding to sowing.”
Find out more at www.swcityfarm.co.uk/learn/supported-training/gardening
Read more: St Werburgh’s: A community thriving
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