Established in Sandwell in 1996, Ideal for All are a locally rooted user-led charity and social enterprise run by and for disabled and disadvantaged people. Our members/service users include people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, physical/sensory disabilities and long-term health conditions, carers and those in need of support to thrive.

We aim to empower and enable local communities regardless of age, ability, or background. We support people to participate in society and the neighbourhoods they live. Our user-led approach means those involved report positive improvements to mental/physical health & wellbeing, reduced isolation, improved knowledge, skills and opportunity, access to suitable employment and increased independence. We also work to improve local environments and derelict land, creating accessible, productive community garden sites for all.

Identified through consultations, Public health, NHS trusts and national statistics, our Growing Opportunities health & wellbeing project was set up over 20 years ago and has successfully reclaimed three sites in Sandwell from derelict land with diverse needs in mind. Our 7 acres of gardens provide meaningful ‘hands on’ activity to promote positive health & mental wellbeing, learning and outdoor skills which foster ‘ownership’ of sustainable green space and environmentally beneficial approaches.

Anyone with an interest in being outdoors, meeting new people and trying something new can get involved – focus on people with mental health, limited mobility, specific learning needs and disabilities. We’re equipped with onsite classrooms and facilities to deliver active outdoor learning experiences for all ages and abilities and regularly welcome schools and community groups and adults for ‘green care’ social prescribing activities.

• Salop Drive Market Garden – (B68 9AG) Flagship three acre working market garden and local food project.
• Malthouse Garden – (B66 1JE) third of an acre specialist therapeutic garden
• Barlow Road Community Garden – (WS109QA) Adjacent to Junction 9 M6 motorway, community garden, children’s orchard, and environmentally beneficial food production.

We pioneered the use therapeutic gardening in Sandwell and use enjoyable activities within our programmes to build confidence, goals and key skills to prepare people for the world of work, training or education; or support them to better manage their health and mental wellbeing needs towards greater independence.