The Prospects Trust is looking to extend its reach and expand its horizons. Celebrating its 30th anniversary later this year, the organic farm that provides work opportunities for adults with learning disabilities is planning to open a really GREEN grocery shop and needs your help.
Come and meet the team behind Prospects Trust unwrapped and share our vision at two consultation events on Thursday 9th May at the Lighthouse Ely.
Prospects Trust Unwrapped will open its new venture at Lighthouse Ely later this year but the team want to unwrap their plans with Ely residents, retailers, traders, shoppers and community stakeholders to shape their shop. Hosting an informal Cuppa and Chat session 11am to 1pm on Thursday 9th May, the Prospects Trust staff, volunteers and Trustees will be opening up the empty shop to share their plans with local people and potential wholesale suppliers. On display will be a range of produce from Snakehall Farm (The Trust’s 18-acre organic farm in Reach, Cambridgeshire), social enterprise products, layout plans for the new store and an interactive customer survey to help people have their say.
In the early evening, 6:30 to 7:30 The Prospects Trust team will host a Showcase Presentation on the story behind The Prospects Trust Unwrapped, join us for an interactive hour to learn about the social enterprise and our passion for “growing differently”.
Both events will be informal and friendly but in order to brew the right amount of tea please book a place at Eventbrite: https://prospectstrustunwrapped-cuppa-chat-events.eventbrite.co.uk
Maz Baker Development Manager said “We see this new initiative as a great opportunity to help people with additional needs into future employment. We have always dreamed of bringing our organic edibles to Ely and we know that now is the time to offer an affordable, sustainable and local way to shop seasonal produce. We are keen to work with other local growers and producers too, creating a destination shop with a difference”.
Giles Cornell of the Lighthouse said “We are excited to be working in partnership with The Prospects Trust to create a real social enterprise that has community at the heart of its trading. The Prospects Trust has over 30 years of experience in growing people with additional needs alongside growing organic produce. We have shop front ripe for local consumers and are looking forward to opening our doors to this new venture.”
The Prospects Trust is a socially inspiring enterprise supporting people with disabilities to take an active role in farming & growing on an accessible 18-acre organic farm in Cambridgeshire. Established in 1989 the charity provides supported work and training to over 60 Co-workers (adults with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and varying health needs) every week on the farm site and on an offsite on the Garden & Projects Team. The charity also provides an accessible learning centre for schools, groups and volunteers to play an active role on a real working farm.
Prospects Trust Unwrapped will be a new social venture offering a Green Grocery to the shoppers of Ely and real retail experience to people with additional needs. Prospects Trust will offer a supported training package for young people and adults to learn food hygiene, retail and customer service in their shop. The shop will stock local, seasonal and eco product ranges alongside the organic vegetables, fruits and preserves from Snakehall Farm. A refill wall of pantry staples and a refill service of household liquids will enable Ely consumers to shop single-use-plastic- free.
Press release from The Prospects Trust
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