Guideposts - Dig 'n' Grow Learning Disability Project Oxfordshire

Dig 'n' Grow Learning Disability Project Oxfordshire

What can happen in a session?

We have a rolling programme of seasonal and purposeful activities. You will be able to choose what you would like to do in each session. Our staff will provide specific support that meets your individual needs.

A session might include: Planting & growing bulbs, flowers, veg or herbs; Sowing seeds, pricking out, potting on; Woodwork, willow weaving & crafts; Health walks & trips out; Seasonal celebrations; Watering, dead-heading, general plant care; Composting, weeding, pruning, digging; Soft wood, hard wood & root cuttings; Cooking garden produce.

Why is Horticulture so good?

We do a variety of activities all year round, even in the winter months, these include all aspects of gardening, as well as arts & crafts, woodwork, and general garden maintenance. The benefits of just being outdoors, and near nature, can be quite surprising. Research suggests that ‘Biophilia’, the bond between humans and nature, produces surprising results, and is one of the best ways to relax, de-stress and feel a sense of wholeness.

There is, of course, no pressure to do things you don’t want to do while at the dig ‘n’ grow project. In fact, you might be very surprised at the results, if you give it a chance! We are even surprised ourselves, as little bits of magic happen almost daily in our garden, it’s a bit like Hogwarts with Horticulture.

Our main objectives in a nutshell

* Provide enduring relationships with professionals

* Maintain a holistic approach

* Provide long-term intervention and therapeutic relationships

* Provide a safe, secure and sensory appropriate environment

* Build knowledge through purposeful and directed person-centred activities

* Provide time and space for both social inclusion and individual work as appropriate

* Focus on skills, aspirations and personal development

* Work with well trained, skilled professionals

Who to contact

Contact Name
Tim Hooper
Contact Position
Service Manager
Telephone
01993 893560 Head office 01993 893560 Head office 07703 685196 07703 685196
E-mail
thooper@guideposts.org.uk
Website
Dig n Grow
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Notes

“Since James has been attending dig ‘n’ grow he has benefited in many way. He strongly connects with the vocational side of things, he is proud to be doing a job that helps others. He’s also improved his dexterity and coordination through his gardening work. Perhaps more importantly, James has developed personal and professional relationships; friendships he might otherwise not have made without the close and positive community found through dig ‘n’ grow.”

(Health care professional)

Where to go

Name
Guideposts Dig n Grow
Address
Paradise Fields
Starnham Lane
Witney
Oxfordshire
Postcode
OX29 7DH
View OX29 7DH on a map

Costs

Costs
£50  Per day
Costs
£25  Per half day

Availability

Age Ranges
Over 18
Other notes

Our mission: To use gardening and nature in a welcoming, supported and therapeutic environment, enhancing health and well-being for all.

Our aims: Our main project aims concentrate on improving an individual’s physical and emotional health and well-being. We focus attentively on the needs of each individual, working closely with families and carers, providing both time and support through a long-term plan, to ensure mutually agreed outcomes are met.

We work at the right pace for each individual to: reduce levels of stress and anxiety; increase levels of self-esteem; grow knowledge of horticultural methodologies; increase levels of physical activity; and facilitate social inclusion.

What’s so good about gardening? Anyone can grow something and nurture it, no matter how experienced you are. Dig ‘n’ grow offers the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air, working individually or as a group, alongside a qualified Horticultural Therapy Practitioner.

Gardening is a learning process for everyone and you will be fully supported as you develop your skills and knowledge.

You will have the pleasure of watching your plants grow, and then the opportunity to take them home to eat, or just show off to your friends and family.

Is it for me?  We run sessions that are open to adults of all ages who are living with learning difficulties or dementia. We offer separate sessions for each group in order to meet specific needs.
If you are interested, or if you just want to come for a taster session, the first session is free with no obligation.

Remember, our Horticultural Therapy sessions are designed specifically for you, based on your needs. We work entirely at your pace, so there is no time limit or pressure to do any activities you are not comfortable with.

Additional Information

Providing services to
Disabled children/young people
Adults
Notes

Our mission: To use gardening and nature in a welcoming, supported and therapeutic environment, enhancing health and well-being for all.

Our aims: Our main project aims concentrate on improving an individual’s physical and emotional health and well-being. We focus attentively on the needs of each individual, working closely with families and carers, providing both time and support through a long-term plan, to ensure mutually agreed outcomes are met.

We work at the right pace for each individual to: reduce levels of stress and anxiety; increase levels of self-esteem; grow knowledge of horticultural methodologies; increase levels of physical activity; and facilitate social inclusion.

What’s so good about gardening? Anyone can grow something and nurture it, no matter how experienced you are. Dig ‘n’ grow offers the opportunity to be outside in the fresh air, working individually or as a group, alongside a qualified Horticultural Therapy Practitioner.

Gardening is a learning process for everyone and you will be fully supported as you develop your skills and knowledge.

You will have the pleasure of watching your plants grow, and then the opportunity to take them home to eat, or just show off to your friends and family.

Is it for me?  We run sessions that are open to adults of all ages who are living with learning difficulties or dementia. We offer separate sessions for each group in order to meet specific needs.
If you are interested, or if you just want to come for a taster session, the first session is free with no obligation.

Remember, our Horticultural Therapy sessions are designed specifically for you, based on your needs. We work entirely at your pace, so there is no time limit or pressure to do any activities you are not comfortable with.

Supporting people with
Learning difficulty

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Record managed by Oxfordshire Family Information Service

This information has been collected from third party providers and Oxfordshire County Council cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information nor does inclusion represent a recommendation or an endorsement. Parents, carers, young people and professionals are recommended to check that organisations and services are appropriate and safe before they attend.
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