There are two main strands to our work helping vulnerable adults:
Gardening Project
We run a Gardening Project where we grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Being outside, in the natural world is well recognised as having a therapeutic effect. It re-establishes a connection with the seasons and rhythms of life that are too easily lost when living in a major city. We are also often able to send everyone home with fresh home grown produce!
Cooking Workshops
Cooking for yourself from scratch is usually healthier, cheaper and tastier than relying on ready meals and takeaways. However, this is a life skill that many of the people we support didn’t learn while they were growing up. We started the Cooking Workshops to equip them with the culinary skills to look after themselves and to make healthy choices about what they eat.
The workshops run once a month and we try to use what is in season at the Gardening Project. We prepare the meal and then all eat together. So far the menu has ranged from Lasagne, to Victoria Sponge to Christmas Dinner. It has been great to hear our beneficiaries proudly tell of how they have recreated meals at home.
Drop In
We run a Drop In once a week. Anyone we support can turn up for help with paperwork or other issues. Mostly it’s an informal, relaxed time where we chat over a hot drink and play cards. Uno is the current favourite!
Craft Classes
In our Craft Classes we meet up to make beautiful, useful and inspiring things together. Having a time to be creative is very relaxing and a helpful way to express yourself. Plus everyone gets something fabulous they have made themselves to be proud of!