CTI 2000 Allotment Project (Ilkley)

CTI 2000 has been an established local charity supporting adults with learning and other disabilities for almost 25 years. Its aim is to provide its members with opportunities to access leisure and learning opportunities, encouraging social interaction and independence through its various groups and activities.

Our Allotment Project runs all day on Wednesdays. We have the use of a large section of the allotment site and also a room inside the church building with toilets and tea making facilities. The day provides supported, inclusive skills and learning for members through a variety of horticultural activities, including planting, potting, maintenance, growing, food preparation, selling produce to the public and much more. The benefits of working outdoors are well documented including improving mental and physical wellbeing, relieving social isolation and building confidence whilst supporting the environment. This is particularly impactful for members of the group who have learning disabilities and experience daily isolation/exclusion from many mainstream activities, often with limited opportunities to interact and socialise with similar people outside their home environments. The members enjoy the independence of being away from parents and carers, meeting like-minded people together with the dedicated team of staff and volunteers. For many it is one of few structured weekly activities they take part in, due to various factors including their age, location and accessibility.

Our group leader, support worker and volunteers are able to provide valuable one-to-one assistance to members, ensuring their emotional and physical well-being, many of whom have complex needs and multiple disabilities. Building supportive relationships with members is key to understanding their needs, ensuring they enjoy the sessions, become more confident and learn new skills.