Garden co-operative set for funding boost

Bishopwearmouth Co-operative provides horticultural and catering training for vulnerable adults

A garden centre which works with vulnerable adults and people with disabilities is set to receive a major funding boost.

Bishopwearmouth Co-operative is set to get £125,000 from Sunderland City Council to finance training and work placements.

The not-for-profit provides work and training opportunities in horticulture, floristry and other gardening services.

Shaun Donnelly, the centre's managing director, said the funding would allow the group to "build on its volunteer and day opportunities".

The co-operative operates a tearoom inside Bishopwearmouth Nursery on Chester Road, but last year expanded into Elemore Country Park.

The funding will be used to finance six full-time placements at Elemore, as well as training in catering and horticulture.

Bishopwearmouth Co-operative expanded into a new garden centre at Elemore Country Park last year

Older people, vulnerable adults and those with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health needs will be eligible for the placements.

The organisation was established in 2009 as a landscaping community interest company and converted to a co-operative in 2016.

It employs 30 staff and has provided more than 100 job, training and volunteer opportunities since it was founded, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, deputy council leader and cabinet member for health, said the group allowed people to "move on to greater independence".

"The funding here will allow it to continue delivering on its objectives of improving the lives of many people."