Northampton charity launches Christmas Market in time for festive season

Northampton charity and social enterprise, Workbridge, opened a Christmas market in their garden centre on Bedford Road earlier this week.

Workbridge is a local charity that helps adults with learning disabilities, brain injuries, mental illness and autism develop their confidence and skills for life and work.

The Workbridge garden centre sells a range of plants grown by service users. Inside, is a series of market stalls selling a range of handmade gifts that showcase the skills of service users, including bespoke woodwork, woodturning, ceramics and textiles products.

Head of Workbridge, Helen Wright, said: "Everyone at Workbridge is so grateful for the continued support we have received from members of the community this year.

“Lockdown has been hard on everyone, not least people with learning disabilities, mental illness, autism and brain injuries. Many of the people who use Workbridge have been quite isolated this year, so being able to bring people together again over the festive period is so very important to us.

“We hope everyone enjoys the Christmas Market, and the quality bespoke items we have available.”

Workbridge were unable to organise their popular Christmas Craft Fair due to COVID-19, however, the Christmas Market was organised as a safe alternative to showcase service users’ talents over the course of a few weeks, instead of one day.

Stallholders from across Northamptonshire will be joining the Christmas Market when lockdown restrictions end on December 2, including a range of crafters, bakers and food producers.

A variety of locally sourced real Christmas trees and festive wreaths are also available to buy. There is a special 10 per cent discount available for NHS and frontline workers from December 1-7.

The Christmas Market in the garden centre is currently open from 9am-3pm weekdays and 9am-3:30pm on Saturdays. Workbridge is aiming to open on Sundays throughout December.

Stringent safety and hygiene measures are in place and customers are reminded to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing rules.

For more information, you can visit the Workbridge Website or search ‘Christmas Market at Workbridge Garden Centre’ on Facebook.