ADULTS with a learning disability or mental health issue are to be offered a unique opportunity to learn and work in a shop and market garden in Hatherleigh. The shop on Market Street has been acquired by Lyndridge Care, which has recently moved its supported living centre from Okehampton to a new building — Oakleigh House — in Hatherleigh town centre. A market garden is being set up at West Fishleigh Farm, on the far side of the cattle market. Michael Purnell, the learning and development manager for Lyndridge Care's new LINK project in Hatherleigh, said the shop and market garden would provide great opportunities for clients to gain work and social skills. 'We're going to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden, and have heated workshops for when the weather's bad, and later on we're hoping to have some animals too. 'Eventually we'd like to sell produce from the garden in the shop. But in the meantime, we'll sell reused goods, and we'd also maybe like to have a space where people can come in for a cup of tea.' Michael said the organisation has received 'huge support' from people in Hatherleigh. 'Our house in Okehampton was on the outskirts of town, so we were very cut-off — but the new set-up in Hatherleigh means our clients can really be part of the community, and will have real opportunities for making new friendships.' The organisation is keen to find volunteers to help with jobs ranging from submitting funding applications, to driving tenants to appointments and activities, to setting up and running the new shop and garden. 'People with learning disabilities have the same desires and ambitions as you or I,' Michael said. 'And there's no reason why they can't lead fulfilling lives. Our project is all about supporting them towards becoming more independent and confident.' Oakleigh House currently offers day care, respite care and long-term living accommodation for eight clients, and upstairs from the new shop, living accommodation will be provided for a further six people. The organisation also hopes to provide more accommodation near the market garden in the near future. For more information on the LINK project, call 01837 810433 or visit www. lyndridgecare.co.uk