BeyondAutism, a leading charity for individuals with autism, is excited to announce their collaboration with Morden Hall Park, a National Trust property. Together, they have created the BeyondAutism Garden, a project aimed at providing hands-on work experience for autistic students. The official planting ceremony took place on Thursday 20th June at the Garden Centre, marking a significant milestone in this growing partnership between the two organizations.
This collaboration began in September 2023, when students from BeyondAutism Post-19 started visiting the park every Thursday for work experience. They have been participating in tasks such as path clearing, raking meadows, and planting. This hands-on experience is crucial for autistic individuals, as only 21.7% of autistic adults are in paid employment. By providing these opportunities, employers can create a more inclusive workforce, making this partnership invaluable for the students’ future employment prospects.
Tracie Coultas-Pitman, CEO of BeyondAutism, expressed her excitement for the partnership, saying, “It was great to meet the National Trust team and witness their inclusive culture. Many of our students are not given the opportunity to experience work due to reservations or worries from the employer. Our staff team at BeyondAutism does an amazing job of breaking down these barriers for and with our students, who work hard to develop the employability skills they need. While the experience is essential, the ultimate goal is always paid work.”
The students started their work experience in the park’s Garden Centre, where they priced items, stocked shelves, and helped with displays. Building on this experience, Molly McDermott, Community Ranger at the National Trust, identified two flower beds in need of attention. This provided the perfect opportunity for students to engage in an outdoor project from start to finish.
Molly shared her admiration for the students, saying, “[They] work very hard, and the staff who come each week are great characters. I am very glad we have made this partnership. They should be very proud of themselves… The aim of the garden is to showcase the partnership we have with [BeyondAutism] and to demonstrate that everyone can achieve something, no matter what barriers they may face. We hope that the students will feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership over this project.”
Moving forward, the students will continue to maintain the flower beds on a regular basis, ensuring that the garden remains beautiful and vibrant for all visitors throughout the year.
Both BeyondAutism and Morden Hall Park are eager to continue their partnership and expand opportunities for students at BeyondAutism Post-19. For more information about BeyondAutism and their initiatives, please visit their website. This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.