BeyondAutism, a leading charity focused on supporting individuals with autism, is proud to announce their partnership with Morden Hall Park, a National Trust property. The partnership aims to create the BeyondAutism Garden, a project designed to provide hands-on work experience for autistic students.
The official planting of the BeyondAutism Garden took place on Thursday 20th June at the Garden Centre, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two charities.
Since the collaboration began in September 2023, students from BeyondAutism Post-19 have been visiting the park every Thursday for work experience. They have been involved in various tasks such as path clearing, meadow raking, and planting. This hands-on experience is important as only 21.7% of autistic adults are in paid employment. With the right support and guidance, employers can create a more inclusive workforce, making opportunities like this essential for students’ future employment prospects.
Tracie Coultas-Pitman, CEO of BeyondAutism, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “It was great to meet the National Trust team and witness their inclusive culture. Many of our students do not get the opportunity to experience work because employers have reservations or concerns. Our staff at BeyondAutism do an amazing job of breaking down barriers for our students, and our students work hard to acquire the employability skills they need. While the experience is crucial, our ultimate goal should always be paid work.”
The students initially started their work experience in a retail environment at the park’s Garden Centre, where they priced items, stocked shelves, and assisted 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 thoughts on the students’ hard work, saying, “[The students] work very hard, and the staff who come each week do too. They are great characters! I am very glad we have made this partnership. They should be 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 the barriers they face along the way. We hope the students will feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership over this project.”
Following the initial planting, the students will continue to maintain the flower beds regularly, ensuring the garden remains beautiful and vibrant for all visitors throughout the year.
BeyondAutism and Morden Hall Park are excited to continue their partnership and expand opportunities for students at BeyondAutism Post-19. For more information on the BeyondAutism Garden and the work of both charities, please visit their websites.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.