Young people across Ayrshire have been receiving support from Hansel Charity, thanks to their new “Bridging the Gap” project.

The project aims to get young people, with a disability or barrier to employment, into a work habit whilst upskilling them on aspects of horticulture, grounds maintenance and land management in and around the Hansel grounds at Broadmeadows, Symington.

Several young people have already benefitted, where they will get hands-on and gain experience in several activities including hedging, landscaping, growing their own food, plant propagation and amenity gardening.

Ethan of Troon said: “Hansel seems a nice comfortable environment to learn new things.”

Cameron of Dunure added: “I enjoy learning about all the plants, it’s fun and interesting.”

Placements on the project last for a year and including accredited modules from Ayrshire College.

Hansel Horticultural Development Worker, Stuart Douglas said: “The Hansel Bridging the Gap project is a person-centered programme which assists young people to achieve their goals.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support from the National Lottery Community fund to help us deliver it.

“We’d love to heard from anyone aged 16 to 24 who has a disability and lives in the Ayrshire area who would like to know more about the project”

More info can be found at from www.hansel.org.uk