Sunnyside Rural Trust

Horticultural charity for young people and adults with learning disabilities based in Hertfordshire

Sunnyside Rural Trust was founded in 1990 as a small, horticultural project for young people and adults with learning disabilities. It is now a thriving charity and social enterprise, offering training and work experience for over 170 vulnerable people in the local community. We support people to build their sense of self and confidence to gain greater independence. We offer wellbeing and therapeutic services, day opportunities, volunteering, work experience and job coaching along side paid work. We run training in beekeeping, looking after chickens, growing a wide range of plants and produce, landscaping and garden maintenance. We have a focus on the full "plot to plate" cycle, from sowing seeds and nurturing plants to making produce to sell in the farm shop or market. We do all of this as environmentally friendly as possible and only grow peat free. Our training and work experience take place across Dacorum in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Northchurch in a range of tranquil settings as well as st albans and Three Rivers. Our sites include ancient woodland, allotments, orchards, greenhouses and cafes and farm shops.

Why the community needs us
Only 5% of all people with learning disabilities in the UK are in paid employment. We want to see this change. Our work supports people to thrive as well as saving huge amounts on benefits, health services, social services. You are not just buying a produce from us, you are supporting someone to be an independent adult and free up valuable statutory funds for those that cannot work.

Volunteers needed

working outside on horticultural and rural projects working alongside adults with learning disabilities

What your gift could provide

£36

pays for board and lodgings for rescued hens, therapy pigs, goat and sheep

£15

pays for 1m2 of pollinator meadow

£100

pays for a barista to be trained

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Sunnyside Rural Trust

Registered charity no.: 1004264