If you are thinking of engaging with adults with disabilities and you do not have much experience in engaging with this audience you will find some useful information by reading the evaluation report of the ‘Feel Green’ project. ‘Feel Green’ was part of the Communities in Nature programme which aims at developing botanic gardens social inclusion work.
Watch the sort video clip that showcases the people and activities of the ‘Feel Green’ project
University of Leicester Botanic Garden as part of this project worked in partnership with Mosaic a disabilities services in Leicester and run a series of workshop for four groups of adults. The groups varied in terms of physical or learning difficulties they experience and also ages and interests.
Working in partnership meant that the botanic garden staff were trained by the Mosaic on how to communicate effectively with people with disabilities but also developed an understanding and awareness of wider issue of disability e.g. through an introduction to the social model of disability. Working in partnership also meant that Mosaic helped with accessing the participants, organising transport, ensuring that the garden facilities enabled full access for the people (including the toilets) and fully supported with carers the delivery of the workshops.
Creating flower pots Nicky’s group
Willow weaving Arts and Crafts group
Each group went to the gardens for two full day workshops and in the end of the project all the groups gathered for a celebration day. The participants gave the most positive comments for the hands on activities such as creating their flower pots which they took back home, making a bag with mixed herbs for cooking, making hand creams and massage oil. Another highlight was the collective piece of art that the Arts and Crafts group made by weaving willow. The piece of art is now displayed back in the Mosaic’s activity centre.
Read the ‘Feel Green’ evaluation report to find the workshop’s outline, the budget of the project and participants’ feedback.
This is fantastic!I’ve developed senior garden volunteers project for Ljubljana BG , your post is a great inspiration for me!