Derwent Living helps the community to grow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 15, 2009 -- Derwent Living is marking National Allotment Week by giving two plots at its community allotment scheme in Kilburn, Derbyshire, to the autism and learning disabilities charity HOPE.

The Derby-based housing provider has allocated two plots to HOPE and has waived the annual rent. The charity will use the allotments to help young people with autism integrate into the local community so they can develop their horticultural skills and gain experience that equips them for future employment.

The community allotments have been a successful project for Derwent Living and its residents, who have been involved in its development from the early stages. Local residents have been given the opportunity to take on individual plots where they can grow their own plants and produce.

Mitch Allseybrook, community development manager at Derwent Living, said: “Derwent Living is always looking at ways to work with other local agencies and groups to bring members of the community together. By offering HOPE the plots rent free, we are hoping that young people with autism will be encouraged to get involved with the allotments and make the plots their own.

“The allotment plots are a little smaller than those normally found, but share facilities and are ideal for those starting up with their food growing skills, or residents who don't want a large area to look after. We hope they enjoy spending time there.”

The housing provider chose this week to announce its plans to coincide with National Allotment Week, which aims to promote awareness and the
availability of allotments both locally and nationally.

The initiative is organised by the National Allotment Gardens Trust, an organisation that wishes to encourage as many gardeners to support the week as possible, and to promote the social benefits of allotment gardening, which include benefits to health, education and community well-being.

Caroline Bell, managing director of HOPE, said: “We are so grateful to Derwent Living for giving us these plots free of charge. It gives people with autism an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community and to showcase their talent. People with even the most acute combination of autism and learning disabilities have skills that are of real benefit to employers.

“Many of the young people we help have developed great horticultural skills through the specialist education system but have no opportunity to develop them when they leave school. HOPE will use the allotments to run schemes that enable young people to gain relevant experience that will prepare them for future employment.

“The diligence, attention to detail and skill at repetitive tasks required to run an allotment mean many people with autism are particularly talented in this area. The young people we help are really looking forward to getting stuck in.”

For Derwent Living contact:
Ellie Allseybrook at Derwent Living on 01332 346477 or
Charlotte Anscombe at Cartwright Communications on 0115 941 0714

Autism     charity     Derwent Living     Hope     learning disabilities     National Allotment Week