Rishi has seen development work which will improve services for adults with learning or physical disabilities.
The MP visited Northdale Horticulture in Northallerton to see the new work space and retail shop at the centre which provides training and work-based activities for its clients.
Rishi spoke to the young adults who will be helping to run and stock the shop, and toured the adjacent nursery to assist with watering the summer bedding plants.
He also met clients and staff on the centre’s other programmes, including the Growing Together group which supports adults with autism and higher needs.
The new log building which houses the shop has been built to be as sustainable as possible. It will be heated by the centre’s biomass boiler and has solar panels on the south-facing roof.
The new building houses the centre’s existing horticultural day service activity and provides a new space to sell the products created by the charity to train vulnerable adults in retail skills.
A new community café, to be staffed and operated by the centre clients, has also been created, along with a drama room and a sensory space for those with autism.
Rishi said: “This is a major development at the centre which provides an excellent service for vulnerable adults, helping them to make a contribution to the work of the centre and building their skills in a supportive community.”
Northdale service manager Simon Cross said the Northdale charity had been going through a period of sustained development.
He said: “Rishi has been a longstanding supporter of our work, visiting us on a number of occasions. All of us enjoyed showing him the development which we are very proud of and will make a big difference to the services we offer.”
Mr Cross said later this year the development would also house an independent living training flat. This will offer vulnerable adults the opportunity to develop life skills in a realistic domestic environment.
