Horticultural project for vulnerable adults raises money from its own produce

After months of planting, growing and harvesting, a range of fruit and vegetables home grown by adults with learning disabilities has gone on sale in Bomersund, Northumberland.

Money raised will be invested back into the project run by Northumberland County Council which gives disabled people a chance to experience working life and develop their self-esteem in preparation for future employment or voluntary work.

The scheme also allows people with learning disabilities to meet new people and learn horticultural skills together.

Northumberland County Councillor Susan Dungworth, policy board member for adult care said: “The project gives people with all levels of learning disabilities the opportunity to plant, grow and harvest crops while doing physical exercise. The produce is picked from the field daily, tastes wonderful and really is as fresh as it gets.”

Fruit and vegetables becoming available in the next few weeks include cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, blackcurrants, raspberries and melons as well as fresh eggs available daily.

Produce can be purchased from the Sleekburn Horticultural Skills Unit throughout the summer season.

Champions of horticultural therapy say it can improve a person’s physical health and mobility as well as improve someone mental health by giving them a feeling of purpose and achievement. According to horticultural charity Thrive, a sustained and active interest in gardening can reduce feelings of isolation in people regardless of their age, disability or health.

Many care homes also encourage residents with a range of age and disability related health issues to take part in gardening tasks and have installed raised flower beds and created fully accessible gardens to give everyone an opportunity to take part.