A new partnership between Props and Fix It Forward is helping transform more than just gardens – it’s creating new opportunities for people with learning disabilities to develop skills, contribute to their community, and make a real difference.
Fix It Forward, led by The Vassall Community Hub and Bristol Charities, brings together volunteers and local partners to help people in Fishponds whose homes and gardens have become difficult to maintain. Whether it’s clearing overgrown gardens or tackling practical DIY jobs, the project aims to improve people’s living conditions while reducing isolation and strengthening community connections.
Now, Trainees from Props are becoming part of the volunteer team.
Props’ vision is a future where everyone with a disability can do purposeful, rewarding work and contribute to their community. Through training, support and real work opportunities, the organisation helps young people and adults with learning disabilities build confidence, develop practical skills and overcome barriers to employment.
Props’ partnership with Fix It Forward is a natural fit.
Based at the Vassall Centre, Props already has a thriving horticultural team, where Trainees grow vegetables, garden plants and houseplants using their own garden and polytunnel. Joining Fix It Forward gives Trainees the chance to take those skills out into the community while developing new ones and meeting local residents.
Theo Laybourne, Operations Lead at Props, said:
“For our Trainees, being part of Fix It Forward is not just about learning new practical skills, even though that’s a huge part of it. It is about being active, valued members of their community and having the chance to show what they can do. That combination of skill development and community connection is exactly what we want more of for Props Trainees.”
The first pilot project saw the team helping one of our amazing Food Club volunteers, who had been struggling to keep on top of her garden because of problems with her knees.
Armed with gardening tools, plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, the Trainees transformed the garden in just a few hours. Some Trainees used a strimmer for the very first time – a successful experience that also highlighted one important lesson for future projects: while the strimmer operator had ear defenders, everyone else quickly realised they needed them too! Ear defenders for the whole team have now been added to the essential kit list.
One of the Props Trainees, Jamie, said:
“It was enjoyable work and I liked helping somebody out in my community who needed it.”
The practical work made a huge difference, but the highlight of the day wasn’t just the freshly cleared garden.
Our volunteer spent time chatting with the trainees throughout the morning, keeping everyone topped up with ice-cold water on what turned out to be a very hot day, before treating the team to an incredible home-cooked meal. The opportunity to meet someone new, hear their story and see the impact of their work made the experience really rewarding for everyone involved.
The pilot was such a success that the team is already looking forward to the next project.
By involving Props Trainees in Fix It Forward, we’re not only helping local residents whose gardens have become overwhelming, we’re creating meaningful volunteering opportunities where people can learn, grow in confidence and contribute to their community in a tangible way.
Could Fix It Forward help you?
If you live in Fishponds and have a garden that’s become difficult to manage because of illness, disability or changing circumstances, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also always keen to hear from volunteers, community groups and local organisations who’d like to get involved as the project continues to grow.
With strong partnerships, enthusiastic volunteers and now the fantastic team from Props on board, Fix It Forward is proving that a few hours of teamwork can create lasting change – for gardens, for communities and for everyone involved.
