Garden centre run by learning disabled people welcomes the local community

NATIONAL learning disability charity Hft is encouraging members of the local community to visit its garden centre in Ugley, run by and for learning disabled adults.

The garden centre, which has been around for over 30 years, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a primarily retail outlet for bedding plants to a thriving hub of learning and development for the adults supported by Hft.

It was originally a farming field but trustees of the charity challenged the staff to transform the land and create a therapeutic space for learning disabled people. Thanks to staff and families, Hft has managed to fundraise for the garden centre to create an equally beneficial and enjoyable space.

Part of Hft’s day services which allow learning disabled adults to take part in things they enjoy, the centre is now welcoming members of the public to visit and take a look at the flourishing grounds, and the plants and homemade pottery for sale.

The charity also uses the space to prioritise learning and development for adults with a learning disability. Gardening has both physical and mental benefits for learning disabled people, providing an opportunity to get outdoors and socialise with others, negating feelings of anxiousness and loneliness.

The garden itself and the practice of gardening give enormous pleasure to many of the people supported by Hft. Gardening can have a profound impact including improvements in physical and psychological health, an adjustment in attitudes and behaviours, and the development of skills, knowledge and abilities.

Day Services Manager, Irena Adomaitiene said:

“It also helps to improve mental well-being, reduce isolation and to improve participants’ physical activity through gentle exercise.

“We want to encourage a sense of ownership in the people we support by encouraging them to grow their own plants and vegetables. We hope this will increase an understanding of the nutritional benefits of eating healthy local food.”

Hft also puts on pottery classes for adults with learning disabilities where they make items to sell at the garden centre. Irena explains how the classes are ‘very successful’, with two sessions of up to 15 people being held each day.

She said:

“Pottery is a creative therapy and a calming practice that enriches the people we support with an opportunity to explore their imagination while helping them adopt therapeutic methods, like mindful clay-sculpting or finding relaxation through painting.

“It has many benefits for the people we support such as improving fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive skills and relaxation. There is also a huge sense of achievement, which improves self-esteem and gives people the confidence to achieve their goals and dream big.”

If you are interested in visiting the garden centre, you can find the Hft team at Pound Lane, Ugley, CM22 6HP. The centre is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays (May – late September) from 10am to 4pm.