New gardening guides put through paces at Thrive

The easy-read resources were put through their paces by people with learning disabilities and their carers at Thrive’s gardens near Reading recently.

As well as taking part in gardening activities overseen by Thrive’s Training and Education Team, participants also tried out guides to meal preparation using produce in a specially adapted kitchen.

Thrive has developed these new resources as part of a European collaboration called MeTura Back To Roots, working with other Green Care organisations in Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.

The aim is to help improve the quality of life of those with learning disabilities by helping them access the wellbeing benefits of gardening and cooking, and to lead more independent lives.

After a salad-making session during a cookery task, one of the participants said: ‘I don’t do cooking at home, I might do more!’

The feedback given on the day will be invaluable in making sure the resources are fit for purpose as they enter their final stages of development and become available to a wider audience.