AN ethical flower grower based in Iron Acton has launched the first ever Love to Work week to highlight the benefits of employing people with learning difficulties.

Organic Blooms, on Latteridge Road, gives people from all walks of life and those with learning difficulties and is now encouraging other businesses to do the same.

Horticulturalist Jo Wright, who runs the social enterprise, said: “The week is about demonstrating what valuable employees people with learning difficulties – in particular autism, Aspergers and Down’s syndrome – can be.

“There is substantial evidence of the therapeutic benefits of horticulture and we make sure the four-acre Organic Blooms site is a therapeutic as well as a working environment.

“Working with nature is a perfect way to develop confidence, self-esteem and a range of workplace skills and qualifications. We know what our trainees are capable of - with #lovetowork week we hope to tell many more people about what employees with support needs can achieve.”

Earlier this month Organic Blooms entered its first ever Royal Horticultural Show, the Malvern Spring Festival, and took a bronze medal.

Jo added: “Our RHS Malvern success, and the development of our new grow-your-own cutting garden kits, was down to the hard work of our whole team, most of whom have learning difficulties or mental health support needs.”

The first #lovetowork week took place last week (May 6-13) and was supported by South Gloucestershire Council and LD Awareness.

Visit organicblooms.co.uk to find out more.