Kavita Bowry, Communications and Development Manager at Share Community (who run the Share Community Garden and Nurseries in Tooting) explains how they’re on a mission to take learning out of the classroom and into the community.

Our work with people with learning disabilities and autism has shown us that many of our students are kinaesthetic learners – that is, they learn by doing.

Our new My Community and Me project, which was launched this month, aims to support our students to do just that, so they get to put into practice what they’ve been learning in Share’s independent living skills programme.
 

The new project is far ranging – students will be learning anything from how to navigate the transport network safely to how to access community facilities such as gyms and libraries. We’d like to equip them with necessary tools and confidence to take their next steps into independence.

Share’s broader vision is for a diverse and inclusive world, where everyone is valued and treated equally. In the first instance, this means working to improve public awareness about the needs of those with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs, and to develop a better understanding of social inclusion within the community. This project sets some of that work in motion.
 

And we need your help – over the coming months, we’d like to partner with local organisations in the south London area so that our students can learn more about local services and how to access them, as well as the opportunities and experiences available to them within the communities in which they live.

If you live and work in this community – we’d love to hear from you! And if you see our students out and about, please be sure to give them a warm welcome.

If you’d like to get involved or to find out more about Share’s My Community and Me project, please get in touch with our Health and Community Manager, Jenny Bourlet, via email jennyb@sharecommunity.org.uk or telephone 020 7801 9813.

Share Community is a registered charity that provides training and employment support for disabled adults, including those with learning disabilities, autism, physical/sensory impairments and mental health needs. To find out more about Share’s work or how you can get involved, visit our website at www.sharecommunity.org.uk 

This article would not be possible without the support of our fantastic Community Partners. Click here to find out more.