social link services
Gardening Crew
Getting out in the open air can bring with it lots of benefits for adults with learning disabilities and these include physical and mental well-being, as we appreciate that a day centre setting is not suitable for everybody. At Social Link, we have established our very own Gardening Crew, providing our members with a boost to their well-being as well as teaching key skills for employability.
Our gardeners take great pride in their work and complete tasks to the best of their ability. They are supported by Social Link staff who ensure site safety, correct use of equipment and oversee the task completion. New tasks present new opportunities to learn and acquire more experience for every member of our Gardening Crew. Rain or shine, our gardeners venture out and this make our Gardening Crew experience genuinely representative of the world of work.
Since the inception of the Gardening Crew service, we have seen our gardeners grow in confidence when undertaking tasks, gaining official certification in the correct use of tools and equipment but also witnessed members communicate with ease with individuals they meet while working in the community.
Service information:
- Session days: Wednesdays and Fridays
- Base location: YouthSpace, High Wycombe
- Session times: 9.00am until 3.00pm
- Sessions chargeable for 48 weeks of the year
- Social Link does not provide personal care or administer medications to gardeners.
- An assessment is required with our Day Project Coordinator prior to the commencement of a trial period.
Eligibility criteria:
- Gardeners must have a learning disability.
- Gardeners must be 18 years old or over.
- For the safety of themselves and others, gardeners must be able to follow instructions and be responsive.
- Due to the physical nature of the gardening tasks and visits to private properties, gardeners need to be able to walk independently without the use of mobility aids. In order to use equipment safely, members need to have full use of their arms and hands.
Do you have a job for the Gardening Crew?
Operating in the Wycombe area and across South Buckinghamshire, the Gardening Crew have experienced work in a variety of settings including private woodland, a flower farm, gardens and stables.
If you have a gardening task you think may be suitable for our Gardening Crew in return for a donation to Social Link, then please get in touch by emailing: