The Edinburgh charity Teens+ which helps young adults with additional support needs to move towards independence is establishing a new base at Gorgie Farm.
The site will remain closed to the public for now but the charity will use the farm as a base for its Next Steps Hub while working towards its long term revival and is the first tenant of the new charity set up to run the farm – Gorgie Community Farm. Teens+ will occupy the main office building and an adjoining outdoor space. There have been major renovations carried out to create a welcoming space including a life skills kitchen as they have at their base at Eskmills. There are lowered countertops and stoves for those in wheelchairs to use, and high contrast surfaces for those who have visual impairment.
The young adults will tend the gardens growing fruit and vegetables which they can then cook in the kitchen, encouraging learning about food and environment.
Caitlin Nightingale, Next Steps Manager at Teens+ said: “Next Steps helps young people with additional support needs to develop life skills, confidence, and independence. Opening at Gorgie Community Farm puts our young people in the heart of Edinburgh, creating opportunities to grow, thrive, and pursue passions that lead to greater autonomy and social inclusion.”
Brendan O’Brien, Trustee of Gorgie Community Farm, said, “Our ambition for Gorgie Community Farm is a sustainable, inclusive and community-driven facility that enhances the wellbeing of the community through collaboration, education and social inclusion.
“Partnering with Teens+ was a natural fit to bring this vision to life.”
As Gorgie Community Farm begins a return to activity, the site cannot be fully open to the public, but volunteers are welcome to get in touch, as there is plenty to do. Currently, there are no animals on-site.
The news follows Teens+’ announcement of another Next Steps Hub opening at Fisherrow Community Centre in Musselburgh on September 15. Both hubs aim to provide school leavers who do not require one-to-one care the tools to live more independently, while reducing reliance on paid care services.
Simon Pearce-Madge, Head of Teens+ said: “In the face of growing financial pressures on the social care sector, we’re creating flexible, community-based support that helps young people thrive.
Parent Donna Leitch talked about her son’s experience and said: “Next Steps has transformed Lewis’s confidence.
“He’s achieved things we never thought possible, including spending his first night away from home on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.”
Anyone wishing to donate, volunteer, or discuss partnership opportunities is encouraged to contact Fiona O’Brien: [email protected]
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
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