Garden work - Genesis Orwell Mencap

Description

In July, Do Good supported Genesis Orwell Mencap, a local charity that was started by parents for children with disabilities to offer services including daytime support services, support in the home and community, social enterprises, Domiciliary Services, supported living, and a social club in the evening. Their main site at Wright Road is well-equipped to cater for people with a wide range of abilities including complex needs. The emphasis is on developing independence, providing stimulating activities, and work experience training.

Before starting work, we were given a tour of the on-site facilities. We saw where they refurbish and sell second-hand bikes as part of the Green Bike project, and we also heard about their plans for the new building. This will more than double the capacity of the workshop.

We also got to see the customers using the other facilities such as the skills kitchen and the music room as well as the garden furniture workshop which is operated by their service users under the supervision of skilled adults.

During our visit, we helped them by clearing, tidying and weeding their flower beds as well as tidying the paths and paving so the outside space can be enjoyed by their service users.

Thankfully the rain held off and we were able to leave the place looking much neater and tidier.