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The Seed
Sowers
Training
Project
The Seed Sowers Training Project is designed for adults with varied needs and offers a chance to participate in a genuine work environment.
What kind of work do we offer?
Caring for the site, and making high-quality products enables us to offer a variety of jobs and an opportunity to develop new skills. All our activities are based around our craft rooms, kitchens, gardens and greenhouses. They are designed to help participants progress towards independence, confidence and working capacity, within a safe and pleasant rural environment.
Garden
We care for 5 acres of tranquil woodland, hedges, and a meadow and grow herb and wildflower plants to sell.
Preserves
We produce preserves from our own grown ingredients, where possible.
Craft
We make and sell quality craft items — cards, fabric, and herb- or wheat filled gifts.
Who is the Seed Sowers programme for, and when are we open?
Tuesday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our Tuesday programme is ideal for adults with a learning disability. To learn more about our Tuesday programme, click here
Thursday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our Thursday programme is ideal for those who currently experience barriers to employment due to mental health or other issues To learn more, click here
Tuesday Seed Sowers
Your day starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm
Our Tuesday groups are ideal for adults with a learning disability who want to contribute in a calm and supportive genuine work environment.
Will I work on my own?
No, you will work in a group of not more than 3 people. These will change from week to week so you have a chance to get to know everyone and make new friends.
What kind of work will I do?
You will have three working sessions every day, one in each of the garden, craft, and kitchen departments.
I am not sure I have the skills. Do you provide training?
You will have a chance to try new things, but you will not be expected to do anything you find too difficult. A member of staff will be there to supervise at all times.
We also offer annual
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Food Safety training,
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Health & Safety in the Garden, and
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Behaviour in the Workplace
Will I be able to record my progress in the training project?
You will keep a record of each session in your own portfolio, which you can take home at the end of the year. You will also get a report on your progress from the staff at the Centre.
Thursday seed sowers
Your day starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm
Our Thursday groups are ideal for those currently experiencing barriers to employment due to mental health or other issues
Will I work on my own?
You will work in small groups (2-6 people), and our participants tend to form firm friendships. There will be three working sessions with a mixture of outdoor and indoor work, and you will be able to choose which you would like to do more of.
We try to fit tasks to your enjoyment and abilities, but you will also be encouraged to try new activities and, as in all workplaces, to share in all aspects of making high-quality goods for sale.
Do I need previous experience?
All training is given by our staff (or occasionally by others brought in) and no prior qualifications are necessary.
Will I have a record of my achievements?
You will keep a record of your activities in a personal diary and staff record and assess your achievements. We are thus able to provide a work record and reference for those who hope to go on to employment elsewhere.
If you have more questions about the project, please read our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact us to arrange an informal visit.
What is a typical day like at The Stables?
Our activities are based around three departments: craft, kitchen, and gardens and greenhouses. A timetable is provided, so you will know whom you'll be working with, and in what department you'll be next. You will have a session in each and a member of staff or volunteer will always be present to lead the activity and to provide support.
9:45 am - 9:55 am
Transport Pickup / Drop off
9:45 am: Taxi Departs from the Pickup Point.
9:45 am - 9:55 am: Those who are coming to The Stables directly arrive
On Tuesdays, a member of staff is present at the pickup point.
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Session 1
Everyone is ready to start working, and we start our first session for the day.
A timetable sets out who will be working together, and in which department they will spend the session.
11:15 am -11:45 am
Morning Break
The Stables provides tea and coffee, and we get to have biscuits too! We gather around in the Conference Room, listen to a thought for the day, and catch up with our friends.
11:45 am -1:00 pm
Session 2
Groups are unchanged throughout the day, but everyone will get to spend a session in each department.
1:00 pm -1:30 pm
Lunch
We gather around in the Conference Room and enjoy our packed lunches together. The Stables provides tea and coffee.
1:00 pm -3:00 pm
Session 3
This is the last session of the day. We use the last few minutes of the session to update the diaries and make sure everyone is ready to go home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the groups and what can I expect to achieve?
The groups will never total more than 12 on a day and are therefore particularly suitable for those who find it easier to cope in a smaller setting. Small, friendly, and caring groups helping you to progress towards:
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independence
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confidence
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working capacity and
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friendships
Do I have to pay to come to the Stables?
There are various ways through which placements are funded. Please get in touch to discuss the options available to you.
I am not sure that I will like working at the Stables. Could I try it out, before I commit?
Yes, you can. Get in touch if you want to arrange for an informal visit. You can come and look around, see what we do and ask any questions; then if you are interested you can come for a taster day and experience what it would be like to work with us.
Do you provide refreshments and lunch?
We provide tea or coffee and biscuits at break time in the morning, and just drinks at lunchtime so you would need to bring a packed lunch with you.
I do not have my own transport to get to The Stables. Do you offer transport?
We provide a taxi from Bedford to and from our premises. As part of your application, you will be provided with the details.
What do I do if I want to join the program?
We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and we'll make arrangements so you can come for an informal visit. You can come and look around, see what we do and ask any questions; then if you are interested you can come for a taster day and experience what it would be like to work with us.
