People with learning disabilities are gaining new skills whilst nurturing plants at Greenfield Garden Centre on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas. Greenfield is a thriving garden centre which provides training, employment and meaningful day time activity to 26 adults with a learning disability. The garden centre forms part of Social Services’ range of day services. Preparations are now well underway for the summer season. The success of the garden centre depends on the involvement of service users in a wide variety of tasks, with all of them playing an active role in the day to day running of the centre. This active participation enables them to develop valuable skills that could be used in securing future employment. The garden centre is expanding its role and is now undertaking some contract work by maintaining the gardens of a local charity which gives the service users an opportunity to experience working in different environments. Whilst the day to day operation of the garden centre is going on, the people who attend this service also learn new skills in how to attend a job interview, the expectations of an employer and how to provide customer service. Political member Mr W Malarkey, MHK and the Director of Social Services Andrew Swithinbank visited the garden centre to meet the service users and staff and to buy plants. Mr Malarkey commented “I would encourage all members of the public to call in to the centre which provides beautiful bedding plants, hangers to be filled by request, handmade planters and fresh eggs and herbs. There are also plans to grow fresh garden vegetables for future sale. The services users work very hard and take great pride in the work they do here. We have had a great morning and they make every visitor feel very welcome. I have bought plenty of garden plant and some fresh eggs. This centre gives those with learning disabilities an opportunity to make a contribution to our society and they work very hard and take pride their work. I would encourage the public to visit the garden centre which is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm.” Director of Social Services Andrew Swithinbank said: “The Department of Social Care has to respond to the increasing expectation of young adults with a learning disability who want meaningful employment after they have finished school and college. Greenfield Garden Centre, part of our range of day activities, is providing that essential stepping stone in supporting people to realise their goals and make a very positive contribution to the community and the economy”. - ENDS -