“USING GARDENING TO CHANGE LIVES”

1st Sep 2015

GROW & LEARN POROGRAMME 2015 – 2017 BY THRIVE – “USING GARDENING TO CHANGE LIVES”

Welcome to Thrive’s exciting new project for young people with special educational needs. This programme, launched at Saltwell Park Gateshead, is aimed at young people from 14 years of age, who will be in full time education in September 2015. The course is fully funded.

Grow & Learn is a 2-year practical programme giving young people with special educational needs or a learning difficulty that little bit of extra help and support, providing a challenging and enjoyable opportunity to realise their aspirations, increase their confidence and self-esteem and develop a sense of independence.  We provide a valuable alternative to the National Curriculum, allowing pupils to work towards a vocational qualification in place of GCSE’s.

Students have the chance to gain a City and Guilds Level 1 Qualification in Practical Horticulture Skills. Thrive will help develop a practical understanding of the workplace, and the commitment, skills and responsibilities necessary to become an employee. We support and motivate young people to overcome the education and employment barriers that are a major impediment for disabled people in the labour market

Throughout the course students will work in small groups with our therapists and volunteers in a safe and secure environment at The Stable Yard, a purpose built educational facility in Saltwell Park. Individual support needs and goals are embedded into the day’s activities to help students work towards their personal and work related goals. The course is delivered one per week for two years with approx. seven students per class.

The location is Saltwell Park Gateshead: We would need the schools to provide transportation for the students to and from the park and provide a support worker to assist our Therapists during the sessions. Sessions normally run from 10am – 3pm with one hour for lunch (students would require a packed lunch) and will start in September 2015. We have a purpose built classroom, enclosed work yard and we also work in the park to give a more authentic feel to the course material.

I would like to invite you to come along and visit our facilities, or of course I would visit you at school, to discuss the project and the opportunities we can offer your pupils and provide a full information pack on the project.

More information by contacting Chris.tait@thrive.org.uk   /  Website