This campaign has now closed
People of all abilities need purposeful, creative activity. Help Earthworks support people with learning disabilities, known as Earthworkers, to manage 3.5 acres of beautiful, sustainable eco-gardens. We nurture whole people, develop skills, reduce isolation, and increase health and wellbeing.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
95% of people with learning disabilities in Hertfordshire are in no form of work. Following the Care in the Community Act, a five-year consultation with service users, carers and social services revealed land-based activity the most popular creative occupation. Earthworks was born. Impact measurement reports a lack of purpose and decline in mental health when Earthworkers can't attend. During lockdown Earthworkers and carers reported missing our structure, purposeful activity and social contact.
Solution
We use the recognised, evidence-based support model of social and therapeutic horticulture (STH). We are unique in providing STH for people with learning disabilities in St Albans and District. We support 44 Earthworkers and 33 volunteers to manage 3.5 acres of eco-gardens. A daily choice of seasonal activities (growing using organic methods; building wildlife habitats; traditional countryside crafts) offers purposeful activity, skill-building and creative occupation in our safe green space.
