People with learning disabilities help homeless charity

People with Learning Disabilities in Newton Abbot are helping a charity for the homeless by growing vegetables for them in their allotment.

Users of Devon County Council’s Fulfilling Lives Service (based at The Passmore Edwards Centre in Newton Abbot), have been running their own allotment in Kingsteignton for two years.

The group started up the plot from scratch, which includes raised beds for wheelchair users, an accessible potting shed, and a small sensory garden.

At the allotment, they have integrated with all the other allotment holders and shared ideas and gardening tips with them. They have been made welcome and been helped and encouraged by the local community which has supported the project from the start.

The group wanted a suitable outlet for all the produce they have been growing this year onwards, and are delighted to donate what they have grown to local vulnerable people via the Homeless in Teignbridge Support charity (HITS)

Councillor Eve Barisic, local member for Newton Abbot North said: “This is a great project and those involved should be very proud of themselves.  What a fantastic idea for a way to use the produce which benefits everyone.”

Fulfilling Lives Team Leader Richard Adnams said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the gardening group to contribute to their own community in a positive way and feel valued. HITS do a fantastic job locally and we are very pleased to support them in any way we can.”

The Fulfilling Lives service has also built community links for Learning Disabled adults through gardening projects at South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh and at the National Trust’s Parke where they work alongside the Bovey Tracey Action Group.

To make a virtual visit, go to YouTube  and meet some of the group, along with staff and volunteers.