Who is the service for?
Our service is for adults with a current mental health condition who have paid employment as a goal either now or in the near future.
The service is available to individuals for an initial 18 week placement with the possibility of an extension if requested. New Leaf offers a variety of opportunities to learn new or revisit old skills within its different departments, which include:
New Leaf Plant Nursery, Orchard and Allotment
Sowing the seeds of recovery
Established in 1990 as 'Hillcrest Growers,' our commercial plant nursery produces a diverse range of plants for both the public and private sectors. When you join our team, you'll experience a comfortable and caring environment, providing you with opportunities to learn and develop essential horticultural skills, from plant production to efficient dispatch procedures.
Our allotment is a new addition to the site and is currently in the planning stages. There is lots of opportunity to be part of the development of this new garden where we hope to grow a range of produce for the kitchen and flowers for cutting and drying.
We have a beautiful orchard overlooking the Exe estuary, planted with a range of heritage apple trees. In the autumn we harvest, press, and bottle the fruit, resulting in our very own New Leaf apple juice.
Wood Works
Transformation through timber
Wood Works offer opportunities to learn basic woodworking skills at entry and intermediate levels. This practically based training will include Health and Safety, instruction in the use of a wide range of hand tools used in the wood working trades, and applying these skills to produce a finished item. Our workshop produces products for the commercial market and bespoke commissions for sale to the public. People will be involved throughout the process and be part of the team manufacturing, delivering and installing items. New Leaf nursery selling woodwork is currently open to the public from 11am-2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
… But it’s not only about the activity itself – it’s all about recognizing the value of occupation in aiding recovery.
The opportunities offered at New Leaf are for people exploring vocational options – those who have the intention of finding paid work at some point in the future but who need time to explore their options and possibly try voluntary work and/or learning as part of their route to finding paid work.