In 2005, Thrive’s Trunkwell Garden project supported 308 clients to achieve, in part or full, a variety of recognised horticultural and IT qualifications. Thrive believes that disabled gardeners have an enormous amount to offer the horticultural industry and should be entitled to the same choices as everyone else. Gaining a qualification is an important way to mark personal progress and open up opportunities as well as increasing self confidence and self belief that things can change.
Seventeen year old Dean, pictured opposite has learning difficulties. He first came to Trunkwell for a week long work placement in Spring 2005. Dean has decided that he wants to be a gardener.
Now, his mother drives Dean from Wokingham to Beech Hill each week and Thrive gives him one day free of charge. Dean receives no financial support and he really needs to come three times a week in order to complete his National Vocational Qualification ( Level 1) within the year. Completing this qualification will enable him to continue his education at Berkshire College of Agriculture and realise his dream of becoming a gardener. “I like coming here because it’s good. I learn lots about gardening.”
It costs £50 per day to provide Dean’s placement. If you would like to support Dean at Trunkwell or help us in ensuring we can support other young people like Dean then please use the donation form.