Friends of Mitchell House is a group of volunteers, parents and carers who support the school community by organising events, strengthening home–school relationships, and creating opportunities for pupils beyond the classroom.
Mitchell House School, based in Belfast, is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 3 to 19 with profound and multiple physical disabilities and complex medical needs. All 110 pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and many require adapted environments to fully access learning.
With support from The James Kane Foundation, Friends of Mitchell House School is developing an inclusive horticulture project that will transform part of the school grounds into a fully accessible therapeutic garden. Designed with raised beds and specialist equipment, the space will enable all pupils, including wheelchair users, to participate in hands-on outdoor learning.
Weekly horticulture sessions will introduce pupils to practical STEM concepts such as plant biology, sustainability and ecosystems. Pupils will grow herbs and vegetables, linking directly to basic cooking and healthy eating activities that promote independence, life skills and an understanding of nutrition.
The garden will also provide a sensory, social environment that supports wellbeing, emotional regulation and teamwork. Importantly, the project offers meaningful, real-world experiences that help prepare pupils for life beyond school, including pathways such as supported volunteering, further education and community engagement.
Funding will support volunteer training and the purchase of essential resources, ensuring the programme is safe, accessible and sustainable. Once established, it will continue to benefit both current pupils and future cohorts.
This project will create an inclusive and engaging outdoor learning environment, helping pupils to build confidence, develop practical skills and experience a sense of achievement through shared activity and participation.