Growing4All - West Berkshire Mencap

Growing4All is a horticultural therapy project which uses gardening to gain positive changes for adults with a learning disability
Amy. bosley@wbmencap.org

Growing4All is a horticultural therapy project which uses gardening to gain positive changes for adults with a learning disability. We aim to improve work and social skills, raise self-esteem and confidence and offer greater social inclusion.

We have a commercial size greenhouse which we use to cultivate plants from seed and propagate shrubs from cuttings. We also supply hanging baskets and bedding plants in the early summer.

We have an outdoor area in which we have created a Quiet Garden. We also have space for accessible raised beds for vegetable growing. The work has been undertaken by the individuals attending the project and is allowing a great sense of ownership to develop along with the continuing development of Growing4all.

Other activities that we offer are woodwork, flower arranging and Christmas decorations and wreaths, this range of activities gives each individual a wide range of skills which can help to improve coordination, communication, teamwork and independence. There is an increased knowledge of plants, how to use tools and the importance of health and safety in the garden.

Growing4all has capacity for up to 50 service users a week, our opening times are 9. 45am to 2. 45pm, Monday to Friday and we offer full day sessions or half day sessions.