It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to the gardens here on the farm. We’ve been so happy to welcome our trainees back after lockdown just in time for the main seed sowing season which kick starts the vegetable and cut flower gardens. It’s a time of hard work but great energy, when you get up close to the plants at the very beginning of their journey – lots of TLC now, really pays off in the long run.

Heather is a team leader nurse at Brandon. In this blog, Heather talks about her own autism and the impact of COVID-19 for people with sensory support needs.

Aaron has autism and has been supported by Brandon since he was a child. Rebecca Silgrim, Aaron’s Team Leader, describes how well Aaron has settled into his new life away from his family home.

I met Vincent in summer, 2019. He was supported by his former foster carers, Graham and Irene. He was 19 years old and crippled with social anxiety. He had worked in the past but due to his autism, he struggled. It knocked his confidence and self-esteem, and he was very negative about his future.

Luke has autism lives in Cornwall with three other gentlemen supported by Brandon. In this blog, Luke’s mum, Jenni, reflects on the past year and the many changes and challenges brought about by COVID-19.

Hello there. I’m Petra and I joined Brandon in the role of Retail Manager at the end of September 2020. Since then, our three Bristol-based charity shops have only been open for a total of nine weeks! Like everyone else, we’ve needed to adjust to new ways of working and running our shops. I have to say, that every single member of our retail team, has been absolutely brilliant during this time. They are a great bunch of hardworking, creative people, always supporting and looking out for each other.