Mansfield allotment to be transformed into safe space for adults with learning difficulties

The ‘Green Space’ project has been created by social enterprise firm, Space inclusive, who improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and difficulties by offering practical activities to help them in their transition from school into adult life.

After coronavirus caused the firm to close their day centre site in Mansfield, they started looking at ways to support their clients, in an outdoor area, whilst still delivering sessions and fun activities.

Space Inclusive were informed of an allotment space which consisted of rough farmland grass and a 20-year-old shed - they decided that this could be a blank canvas to create something.

Fran Hackett, Space Inclusive, Senior support worker, said: “The project is important for the young people we support at Space Inclusive.

"It not only means they will be able to learn new skills, learn about the environment and ecosystems but it means they have a fresh outdoor space, to relax in, to meet friends, have barbecues and just offers them a different type of safe space.”

Once completed the community hub will be used to host activities, events and social sessions and will also give young adults the chance to improve their social skills.

It will be available for different people in the community with learning difficulties but Space Inclusive also has plans to offer out the area for use to develop relationships within the wider community.

Fran said: “We can develop relationships between services users but also develop relationships with the green-fingered allotment community offering help and in return learn new skills.

“This means that we can give back to our local community and offer something new.”

The aim is for the site to be completed by the end of the year.