New hub for young adults with additional needs to open at Gorgie Farm

A new hub for young people with additional support needs is to open at Gorgie Community Farm in Edinburgh.

The Next Steps project will officially become the first tenants on the site as work continues to bring the cherished landmark back to life.

The young people will be involved in growing and cooking food on the farm to help build their confidence and independence.

Chief Gail Burden from Next Steps said: “It’s a really unique service – it’s designed to engage with the community and enable those young people to transition from paid support to living independently.

“We love the fact that Gorgie Farm is in the heart of the community, it seemed like a perfect arrangement really for our young people to engage, learn and grow as well as the site.”

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As the first tenant of the new charity, Gorgie Community Farm, the Next Steps Hub occupies the site’s former main office building and an adjoining outdoor space.

Teens+ has led major renovations to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible facility, which includes a life skills kitchen tailored to a range of physical and sensory needs. Features such as lowered countertops and stoves for wheelchair users, along with high-contrast surfaces for those with visual impairments, make it a space where everyone can participate.

The young people will be involved in tending the farm’s gardens, growing fruit and vegetables to cook in the kitchen and gaining hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of food and the environment.

The team say the site cannot be fully open to the public yet, but volunteers are welcome.

Harrison McGregor, who will take on the role of manager at the Next Steps Gorgie site, said: “The fact that it’s in the centre of the city makes is really accessible. We’ve got the outdoor garden space, we’ve got the indoor facilities for team building. In terms of responses we’ve had from people who live in the city this was a great place and we want to continue that with Next Steps.”

This next chapter in the farm’s history harks back to its earliest days. Gorgie Farm began life in the 1970s after being set up by a community group.

Over the years, it struggled with funding, eventually closing down in January 2023. Those now caring for it say partnerships will be key in securing its return.

Gorgie Farm project manager Suzanne Campbell said: “It’s not one organisation trying to deliver everything. On a big site, the knowledge needed to deliver that is massive.

“We really want to have partners come forward so that we can use all our knowledge together, and that gives us a better chance for a sustainable future for this space.”