Edible Estates - Lend a Hand (Edible Estates)

Lend a Hand offers informal training opportunities in joinery, horticulture and landscaping to those 50+ and out of employment, with the aim to support participants to re-enter the labour market, gain life skills and reduce structural barriers to employment. The training sessions will help boost participants’ confidence, resilience and motivation, reduce social isolation, improve well-being as well as developing work-ready skills, such as effective team-working and communication.

Partipants will learn about safe tool use, construction, landscaping and horticulture in a community-based setting, including building timber sheds, vegetable beds, helping with renovation works, maintaining paths, installing water services and growing fruit and veg.

Working in small groups will enable individuals to improve their team-working and communication skills and reduce social isolation. Participants will be able to engage with others in an outdoor setting which allows them to organically build connections, be physically active, and get involved in a community-based project which we hope further reduces barriers to employment by improving interpersonal skills. Regular participation in the sessions will also help familiarise individuals with employers' expectations and standards for behaviour in the workplace.

50+ and out of employment

Locations around Edinburgh:

Muirhouse Neighbourhood Garden (all day Thursdays and Fridays: 9.30-12.30; 1-3.30)

The Calders Green Shoots Garden: Tuesday and Thurdsay (9.30-12.30)

Leith, Persevere Court: times tbc.