Bexley Mencap’s Learning Disability Gardening
Group was awarded Bronze in the Best Community Garden category by the Mayor of
Bexley at the 2024 Ruxley in Bloom awards.
The Gardening Group meets weekly and has been
tending an allotment plot at the Alers road site in Bexleyheath since February
2021.
The group is led by Nick, Bexley Mencap’s
Income & Development Officer. ‘Like
the vegetables we cultivate, the group is still growing – new members have
joined this year,’ says Nick. ‘It’s
always great to see members take away the produce they’ve grown themselves to
eat at home.’
Matt, who accepted the award on behalf of the
group, is a talented all round gardener who also receives 1:1 support from
Bexley Mencap to develop his interest and skills in horticulture. He’s put his
experience and knowledge to good use; as via his day centre he is now paid for
going out and maintaining other people’s gardens.
Matt is happiest on the allotment whether it’s
preparing the compost, digging trenches to plant potatoes or filling up the
wheelbarrow to lay down wood chipping on the pathways.
Members of the group carry out all of the tasks
of looking after the allotment and its surrounds throughout the year.
They are assisted by Nick and Perri, another
Bexley Mencap Support Worker, who recently joined the group. ‘I’ve been amazed at the enthusiasm of the group,’ says Perri.
‘Everyone mucks in – sometimes quite literally – and no task is too small. It’s
a real team effort.’
The Gardening Group has twice been featured in
articles by Royal Mencap. Follow the links to find out more about the group in
their own words.
https://www.mencap.org.uk/blog/bexley-mencaps-allotment-still-growing
https://www.mencap.org.uk/blog/storiesfromthenetwork-bexley-mencap-0
If you want to join one of our groups or help
as a volunteer phone 020 83036336 or email: office@bexleymencap.org.uk
