Garden-Able, part of Pennine Lancashire Community Farm, is a horticultural based service for adults including those with disabilities, mental health illnesses, at risk of social isolation. It started in 2003 on the site of a derelict allotment in Nelson and was soon developed as an alternative to a traditional centre. From the beginning it was recognised that those who come to Garden-Able should have a say in what happens and have regular meetings that every member can come too.
We soon decided that we would not use the label ‘client’ or ‘service user’ but to refer to anyone involved as members to reflect their ownership of Garden-Able.
In 2006 Garden-Able registered as a Community Interest Company with the intention of providing high quality day services by working in partnership with adults with learning difficulties and their carers. In 2017 it transferred its operations to Pennine Lancashire Community Farm, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Today we are able to offer support not only around gardening, but to arrange activities and support around the needs and wishes of the members. Activities are tailored to individual needs and ambitions and include:
- Gardening using permaculture techniques.
- Green woodworking – making items from locally sourced unseasoned wood.
- Cooking and food preparation using our own produce wherever possible.
- Garden construction – making useful rustic items for use in the garden
- Conservation – looking after the environment with nature in mind.
- Women’s Horticulture Group
Location:
The Hodge House Allotment site is based off Reedyford Road (postcode BB9 8HD) in the Bradley Ward of Pendle. According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 the Bradley ward is suffering from increasing levels of deprivation placing it in the bottom 1% of wards nationally.
Hodge Hut:
Hodge Hut adjoins Hodge House Allotments, it is well insulated eco-friendly community building which was built in 2003/4 as a community build project.
Hodge Hut Has:
* Accessible toilet facilities
* Meeting Room/ classroom
* Kitchen facilities
* Shared broadband access
It is accessible by public transport and it’s position close to the canal corridor, this gives easy access to footpaths and the Pendle Cycle Path Network both for safe access to the site and activities from the site.
Organisations:
Three organisations are based at Hodge Hut and whilst being separate organisations we have always worked collaboratively offering mutual support, sharing resources and idea’s. Together we have a wide range of resources, skills and experience not only relating to horticultural activities but have qualified staff in Mental Health, Learning disabilities, health, fitness and teaching.
Together we can offer a wide range of activities which are accessible to individuals, families and groups.
Garden-Able:
We currently support adults with learning difficulties and adults with mental ill health. We work closely with local mental health services, working collaboratively with other local community and environmental organisations.
We support on average over 50 individuals per year including working with inpatient rehabilitation.
Our experience and extensive research shows that supporting people to engage with the outdoors is an effective (and cost effective) way of supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
Our Facilities Include:
* Outdoor and covered growing area
* Outdoor workshop
* Ponds and wildlife area’s
* Outdoor cooking facilities
* Green woodworking
Address: Holland Pl, Nelson BB9 8HD
Hodge House Allotment Society:
Hodge House Allotment Society was formed between the world wars and is responsible for the management of Hodge Hut and the allotment site which is the largest within Pendle with 100 allotment plots.
The Good Life and Garden-Able have been fortunate to enjoy the support of the management committee and over the years this has led to wider acceptance and support of the allotment and local communities.