Rural Skills – Hampshire

FitzRoy’s Rural Skills Project supports people with learning disabilities to develop confidence, skills and a sense of wellbeing by working in a rural setting. The current rural skills project opened in 2011 and is located at the Sustainability Centre in East Meon, near Petersfield.

Up to 12 adults can attend each day, learning how to cultivate herbs, fruit and vegetables which are sold to the public. If you choose to join our rural skills team we will help you to learn how to maintain the grounds, get involved in woodcraft and grow patio pot plants and hanging baskets. All proceeds go straight back into the project.

Our Commitment

Our dedicated staff team offer tailored support to everyone involved in Rural Skills, typically a 1:3 support ratio. If you join us, we will help you gain new skills which could lead to vocational training, volunteering and employment opportunities. This project will provide you with new skills, confidence and opportunities to make new friends. We always promote community involvement and inclusion.

Location

Located at the Sustainability Centre in East Meon near Petersfield, this site is situated in the beautiful South Downs National Park. Adapted mini buses are available for transport to and from the project from our day and community service in the centre of Petersfield or along its usual travel route – or you can make your own way to start your day with us.

Facilities

The site is large with excellent facilities and full access for wheelchairs. There is an eco-friendly toilet, a staff office and a large heated communal tea hut for rainy days and breaks.

We have numerous raised beds to make it easy for you to grow vegetables and herbs. Our well equipped site also has a poly-tunnel, various sheds for holding equipment, greenhouses and areas for growing plants, flowers and hanging baskets.

An outdoor woodcrafts facility has recently been added, as well as an area to keep chickens – proving very popular indeed!

• Arts and crafts
• Communication and literacy
• Gardening
• Support with communication