They wanted to thank the Garden for partnering with Talkback and in doing so, helping them to be actively involved in horticulture.

Our Personal Development and Skills program develop work experience placements as they recognise the importance and benefits of work skills or work activities. These are only possible due to local organisations being open to creating opportunities for autistic people or those with learning disabilities.

Thanks to our partnership with the Lady Ryder Memorial Garden, our members have worked hard at the Garden; digging, harvesting crops and taking cuttings. These work experience placements are invaluable to our members. They help them to develop skills such as following instructions, teamwork and general horticultural knowledge.

There is no doubt that offering these placements also have a benefit to the organisations involved. It gives them an insight into the skills autistic people or those with learning disabilities have to offer the working environment. It can also provide a valuable lesson on what our members must overcome to be able to carry out daily tasks, that many of us take for granted. You can find out more about Personal Development and Skills.