“I feel confidence when I am with the staff at Garvald.”
“Everything at Garvald makes me feel good. I like the pottery and painting and working in the shop.”
“I like trying new things. I get everything out of being here.”
“I like everybody here and I like working together with them.”
“Garvald gives a sense of belonging.”
“At Garvald they are so friendly, the barriers just melt away.”
“Work makes me feel happy. A sense of achievement.”
“There is real warmth in the community and a really nice atmosphere.”
People with a range of different abilities and disabilities come to Garvald Edinburgh to develop their skills in a warm, supportive, creative environment.
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The opportunities we provide can make a major impact in helping people to gain confidence. We tailor the support and activity to the individual and encourage independence.
Find out More »Garvald Edinburgh is a Scottish Charity offering creative opportunities and support for people with learning disabilities. We are inspired by the ideas of the educator and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner and have been operating in Edinburgh since 1969.
We provide creative working environments focusing mainly around craft, catering and artistic skills. Currently we provide opportunities and support for over 200 people.
In addition we support around 40 people in their own homes and flats that are made available through links with housing associations. We achieve consistently excellent gradings from the Care Inspectorate.
Garvald’s creative day opportunities have evolved over 42 years and now span a wide range of activities across three locations within south Edinburgh.
Creative Day Services
We offer a range of workshops, from baking to tool restoration.
Supported Living
Garvald support services provide a range of support including accommodation based support.
Garvald Edinburgh offers a diverse range of services to women and men with learning disabilities aged 16 and over. These are people with a range of different abilities and disabilities who come to Garvald Edinburgh to develop their skills.
With generous support from people like you, Garvald Edinburgh makes a real difference to its’ members.
You can help support Garvald by shopping with us. The Mulberry Bush shop in Bruntsfield sell unique artisan gifts produced in our workshops as well as books, art materials and craft produce from other suppliers.
You can also buy hand-woven goods from our online shop.
Exhibitions
We frequently exhibit Garvald’s work.
Tools for Self Reliance
Garvald Edinburgh part of the national Tools for Self Reliance network.
Furniture Initiative
Furniture restoration work is carried out as part of the weekly activities within the Tools Workshop.
John Muir Trust
The Trust has a long association with Garvald Edinburgh culminating most years in our own Annual Awards Ceremony.
