A groundbreaking service supporting people with learning difficulties in Lichfield and Burntwood is set to celebrate its success.
The Cherry Orchard Gardening Service (COGS) trains and employs people with learning disabilities to become gardeners. They then work in collaboration with Burntwood Live at Home to maintain the grounds of around 170 older local people who can no longer carry out the work themselves.
An event at the Burntwood Memorial, Rugeley Road, on July 1 will celebrate the group’s efforts with a plant sale and lawn mowing contest with teams competing against the COGS all stars.
County Councillor Matthew Ellis said:
“The drive and passion I have seen at COGS has been truly inspirational. They are the epitome of what we want to achieve in Staffordshire— as much independence for people as possible and the choice and control over their own future. Not only this, but they are offering a service that benefits others, allowing them to live in their own homes for longer.
“I am sure COGS will continue to go from strength to strength, and are truly an inspiration to so many others in a similarly challenging situation.”
COGS is now a registered Community Interest Company operation as a Social Enterprise, a status which sees firms that trade for a social or environmental purpose and reinvest profits back into the company and the community.
Cllr Ellis explained:
“The world of social care is changing dramatically, and with that change comes new opportunities. The county council is looking at giving people the confidence to start a social enterprise, explaining the opportunities available and letting them know it’s not as hard as they think to set up a business that benefits the wider community, much like COGs has done.”
The event on July 1 takes place from 10am to 2pm. For more information about COGS, visit www.staffordshirecares.info.
