Learning Disability Charities Unite Through Horticulture Service In Kidderminster

• 03 Apr 2023
• |
• Great Britain

Praxis Care’s Coombe House is a characterful and specially adapted building. It stands in landscaped grounds in Kidderminster. Coombe House is a highly specialised nurse-led home for twelve adults with profound disabilities. The grounds and gardens are a critical feature in the care and support Coombe House offers. They enhancing the quality of life for those living there; but they require regular upkeep. There was serious concern about the risk that the gardens could fall into neglect when the grounds keeper retired.

Developing Horticultural Skills

Praxis Care connected with the Emily Jordan Foundation, a charity that offers training to people with learning disabilities. The Foundation supports people to develop new skills based around gardening, horticulture and much more.

“It was a perfect match,” said Coombe House nurse manager Emma White, “The ethos of the Emily Jordan Foundation matched perfectly with Praxis Care, enabling people with disabilities to live fulfilling and meaningful lives that are guided by their own wishes.”

Emma continued, “It has been especially impactful to see how the residents of Coombe House can get involved alongside Nick and Andy. Our residents can assist with the grounds keeping, but beyond that, we’ve seen their social circles expand as they share a cup of tea and have a chat.”

Grounds Maintained

Since the summer, a team of two employees from the Emily Jordan Foundation, Nick and Andy, and supervisor Adrian, have been visiting fortnightly. They trim hedges, mow the lawns, clear up moss and do any other work that needs done, ensuring the safety, accessibility, and beauty of the property.

Strengthening Skills

Ruth Krivosic, CEO at the Emily Jordan Foundation, enjoyed seeing the relationships blossom between the Emily Jordan employees and the residents at Coombe House. She said, “Our aim is to support people with moderate learning disabilities closer towards paid work.  We believe this disadvantaged group should be in employment if given the right opportunity, and we aim to achieve this through our ground’s maintenance contracts.”

The team is eager to continue to improve the grounds for the people who live there. Soon they will be linking in with another Emily Jordan Foundation Project that does woodworking. They plan to replace aging planter boxes before next summer.