Outdoor activity project for disabled receives £9,000 grant (From Watford Observer)

Watford Farming For All project for disabled receives £9,000 grant

10:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Laura Smith

A project to help wheelchair-bound gardeners has been given a £9,000 grant by the European Social Fund.

Farming For All, based in Colne Way, Watford, provides free horticultural training for people with physical disabilities and runs a ‘Horticulture for Health’ project on its wheelchair-adapted allotment.

Participants learn how to grow fruit and vegetables and attend workshops on craft-making and woodwork.

Jude Allen, director of Farming For All, said: "Contact with the outdoors has been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety and help people feel better about themselves.

"Planting a seed can help dexterity; digging can improve core strength and stamina. A lot of people cannot access an allotment. It’s too much to take on and too unsafe for them."

The project takes place every Monday from 1pm to 3pm at the Holywell allotment site, on Scammell Way.

Project Leader Alastair Smyth said: "We have people from the age of 18 to 85, across the board really.

"The aim is to encourage people to socialise and get out of their homes. We still have places for anyone who would find it beneficial to join."

For more information email enquiries@farmingforall.org.uk