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Naturally Making A Difference - Garden Therapy Project
The Naturally Making a Difference (NMD) project ran for three years until April 2009.The project provided a total of 24 supported placements and offered opportunities for 31 volunteers. Those volunteers that participated have all reported benefits from their involvement including learning new skills, developing their confidence, making new friends, feeling part of something and feeling more positive. Read more...
The Naturally Making a Difference Project ended in April 2009. Over the three years that it ran, it provided opportunities for adults with disabilities to learn new skills and realise their potential.
Through the use of organic gardening, participants were supported by a dedicated member of staff to:
gain new knowledge and practical skills
- build new relationships
- increase confidence and self-esteem
- work in a team or on their own
- achieve a certificate of accomplishment
Participants attended The Ecology Centre for one day per week from 10.00am - 3.00pm. The work included planting and growing vegetables and flowering plants using organic methods.
Teams of 3 - 4 people worked with support, guidance and training from the supervisor and placement lasted up to one year with regular individual meetings to review participants’ goals.
Involvement in the project gave participants the skills and confidence to consider future em ployment opportunities and some of their comments can be read below.
“Having a purpose to get out in the mornings”
“Visits are very much looked forward to and non-attendance is seen as a great disappointment”
“Having something to do; looking forward to meeting with other people”
“People are given the time and space to be themselves”
“I feel useful and enjoy the work”
“It’s basically being part of a team, helping others to achieve”
“I feel better within myself when I complete tasks”
“It’s been fascinating learning from people with more experience”
“Meeting people with the same interests and getting on with things”
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