AuSome GrowSome is an inclusive Hydroponics Centre situated in Belfast which provides, learning opportunities, work experience and employment potential for individuals with Autism.

Did you know that 1 in 24 school aged children in Northern Ireland have autism and the ONS reports that only 21.6% of autistic people within UK are in paid employment (Office for National Statistics, 2021). Outcomes for disabled people in the UK: 2021 report.). Lack of suitable opportunities, appropriate support and difficulties in sustaining employment are some of the factors contributing to these low employment rates  (Dillenburger et al, 2016, Benchmarking Autism Services Efficacy: BASE Project Volume 5, Final Report. Queens University Belfast).

AuSome GrowSome was born out of wanting to provide more vocational/prevocational opportunities, a safe space for training and job opportunities to young adults who have Autism!

So how did AuSome GrowSome come about?

Anita Yakkundi, the owner and founder of AuSome GrowSome who lives in Belfast with her husband and two daughters wanted to set up a Non-Profit Organisation for many years to help young adults with Autism. It was something very close to her heart as she has a daughter with Autism; therefore is very passionate about helping the Autism Community. You can find more information about Anita here. Anita is a scientist and educator. In 2015, she was a recipient of a Maire Curie – Cofund fellowship (2016 -2018) for research in assistive technology for autism and Intellectual Disability. It was this fellowship which gave her the opportunity to start making connections and to develop the idea for AuSome GrowSome. She has always been a bit of a foodie and loves to cook lots of Indian & European dishes for her family. Furthermore, she has always been a fan of microgreens as they add so much flavour to a dish and are packed with so many nutrients which are great for the mind and body.

Anita believes that Young Adults with Autism deserve the same opportunities to start, stay & succeed in employment as everyone else. The Autism Community have so many qualities which can make them excellent employees for a business. Some examples include:

  • Have an excellent attention to detail.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely.
  • Are creative.
  • Have an excellent memory.
  • Are able to follow very structured projects.

That is why AuSome GrowSome will be giving young adults with Autism work opportunities and work experience to help them gain important employment experience to help them in the world of work. This would include:

  • Sowing the microgreens, salads and herbs.
  • Cultivating the crops.
  • Monitoring the cultivating conditions
  • Harvesting the greens.
  • Packing the produce.
  • Labelling before distribution and
  • Sorting.

AuSome GrowSome have already launched the business in early 2022 and are tirelessly working behind the scenes at the moment.  To read more about the business, click here.   Over the next few weeks we will have experience days and visits to our cultivation unit for young adults with autism to come along with their families and take part in some of the activities above such as harvesting the greens picking the produce and labelling before dispatch to give them a feel for what we do and perhaps to see if it is something which they would like to help out with on a more regular basis. If you think it is something you would like to participate in – contact us and leave us your name, email and mobile number and we will get back to you at a later date about the event itself. Parents/carers are welcome to get in touch with us on behalf of the young adults.