Dig It! Garden Worker Brendan Murphy
started his journey as a volunteer back in 2012. We explain why he loves coming to work each day.
As a person with a lived experience of disability, Brendan was initially drawn to the garden’s commitment
to an inclusive environment. “I liked what the gardens stood for – often places
working “for” people with disabilities don’t practice what they preach
behind-the-scenes. I like that CCS Disability Action hires people with
disabilities and sees value in their disabled staff.”
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| Brendan Murphy enjoys the opportunity that Dig It! provides to contribute to his community. |
After a couple of years
volunteering in the gardens, Brendan was offered a permanent part-time position. His role is
varied, which is something he loves. His days are spent doing planting,
managing visitors to the garden and volunteers, as well as helping with design
aspects as they come up such as with the current garden redevelopment.
For Brendan, there are
many perks of the job. “It's a relaxed place to work, and
very welcoming. People here aren’t just interested in getting ahead, like they
maybe would be in a corporate environment. Working in a place like this gives
me a sense of satisfaction and makes me feel as though I’m doing something
meaningful.”
He also enjoys being
able to get outside in the fresh air and interact with people. “I’m a social person so I
like working with people. It’s good because we’re working with lots of
different people, with different unique qualities and experiences. It opened my eyes a bit and showed
me the importance of removing barriers for people with all impairments, not just people
with physical disabilities.”
As well as working in
the gardens, Brendan is also a member of CCS Disability Action's Disability Action Advisor group(DAA), which meets regularly to discuss areas of interest, raise concerns and
provide disabled leadership to the region.
Brendan is a
valued presence in the garden and the wider CCS Disability Action organisation!
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