About Us
WHO WE ARE
Spadework is a charity, which provides care, skills, and meaningful opportunities for more than 116 adults with learning and other disabilities.
Our aim is to support the Trainees, who use our service as they develop their independence and personal skills through social interaction with the community, providing them with the necessary tools to reach their full potential.
Horticulture
Our Trainees acquire and use practical horticulture skills. In our allotment gardens they choose what seeds to plant, and they tend and grow vegetables. They plant flowers, trees and shrubs and use their gardening skills to keep our site looking welcoming for visitors. Our Trainees love growing pumpkins for the annual Spadework Festival.
“I love planting pumpkin seeds and watching them grow” – C, a Trainee
Creative Spadework
There are 1001 ways to be creative at Spadework! From delving deeper into a hobby, drawing, painting, to participating in performing arts, creating radio podcasts there is always plenty of laughter on site! In woodcraft our Trainees have made puzzles, place mats and decorations. One of our Trainees recently made a coffee table. Some of the items are on sale in our Garden Centre.
“I found it strange at first hearing my voice, but I’ve got used to it now” – R, a Trainee
Life Skills
Cooking and learning how to eat well, make healthy choices and take care of yourself are at the heart of our life skills sessions. In the warmth of the well-equipped orange and purple rooms, our Trainees learn and use skills that enable them to develop independence and well-being.
“Since J started cooking at Spadework, he is more aware of what makes a healthy meal” – Parent of J, a Trainee
Gaining Skills and Developing Independence
Whether it’s planting, growing, singing, painting, or cooking, our Trainees are given the support and encouragement they need to be more independent.
Since we began our journey in 1984, we have learned much from our Trainees. We continue to listen to feedback from our Trainees, their carers, parents, and support groups, with the aim of making life at Spadework as relevant as possible to the needs of every individual we serve.
WHAT WE DO
Vision
To support people to be more independent, feel less isolated and to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Aims
Spadework helps Trainees to:
· Be more independent and better prepared for life outside of their family and Spadework.
· Have an increased sense of self-worth, belonging and purpose by feeling the value of doing a good job, being part of something bigger than themselves and playing an active part in the community; feeling accepted for who they are.
· Have reduced isolation and increased connection with others by feeling part of a team, accepting each other’s abilities and supporting other Trainees.
· Be happier and healthier and have increased wellbeing.
