Help to empower adults with learning disabilities through gardening workshops
The Scarlett Arts Society CIC is a non-profit organisation based in South London, United Kingdom. We believe that every adult should have access to art, therapy and be given the chance to develop their skills in a safe and friendly environment. With your support, we can provide enriching experiences that promote exercise, outdoor engagement, and skill development for this deserving group.
But why gardening?
Gardening is more than just planting seeds and watching them grow. It's a therapeutic activity that fosters a sense of purpose, achievement, and connection to the natural world. For adults with learning disabilities, gardening offers numerous benefits:
Physical Exercise: Gardening involves various physical movements such as digging, planting, watering, and harvesting, promoting strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Mental Well-being: Engaging with nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Gardening provides a calming environment that encourages mindfulness and relaxation.
Skill Development: Participants learn valuable skills such as plant care, problem-solving, and teamwork, enhancing their confidence and independence.
Social Interaction: Our workshops provide opportunities for socialization and community building. Participants can bond over a shared love of gardening and learn from each other's experiences.
The Impact of Outdoor Engagement Spending time outdoors is essential for overall health and well-being, yet many adults with learning disabilities face barriers to accessing outdoor activities. By offering gardening workshops, we aim to break down these barriers and create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Outdoor engagement offers:
Sensory Stimulation: Gardening engages the senses—sight, touch, smell, and even taste—providing a rich sensory experience that promotes cognitive development and sensory integration.
How You Can Help
Your contribution to our project will directly support the creation and maintenance of gardening workshop sessions tailored to adults with learning disabilities. Your donation will go towards:
- Supplies and Equipment: Soil, seeds, tools, and other gardening essentials to ensure our workshops are fully equipped.
- Professional Guidance: Hiring experienced instructors who specialise in adaptive gardening techniques and working with individuals with diverse needs.
- Part of the £5000 will go towards paying a grant writer, who will apply for grants on our behalf, minimising the need for future crowdfunding projects.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Join us in cultivating a community where everyone has the opportunity to grow and flourish!
Thank you for your generosity and support.
The Team
Richard Mead ARPS: Richard is a photographer, lecturer and community activist - championing empowerment and inclusivity for all. Richard is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and have worked closely with charities such as the Prince's Trust and National Association for Children of Alcoholics.
Luke Batchelor: Luke is a qualified teacher, having worked with both children on the Autistic Spectrum and SEN (special education needs) students for over ten years. Luke now runs his own landscape gardening company and is keen to share his experience and help push people to achieve the most they can from life.