Plans to transform a patch of mud ground at a Shrewsbury youth centre into a sensory garden have been boosted by Homes Plus.
The Shropshire Youth Association (SYA) is the latest organisation to benefit from our Homes Plus My Community Fund, and now it’s creating a haven for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
With artificial grass so that it can be used all year round, shaded areas and a wealth of potted herbs and other scented plants, the garden has been designed to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment outside the busy youth centre in Upton Lane.
Our Grounds Maintenance team pitched in to start work on the garden last month along with two of our electrical apprentices, Rosie and John.
We employ around 900 people across Staffordshire and Shropshire, who are each given one day a year to volunteer and give back to their communities. Rosie and John used their ‘Giving back day’ to help create the special place that will feature colourful wind spinners that hang from a tree, tables and chairs, and a permanent shelter to provide protection from sun, rain and wind.
Samantha Allcott, Director of Housing, commented: “We were delighted to get involved with this inspiring project that will create an oasis of calm for the whole community to enjoy.
“It will make the youth centre even more accessible to many young people in the area, particularly those who may otherwise be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the popular community resource.
“Our team have already been pitching in and helping to create a special place in partnership with an organisation that shares many of our own values.”
Claire Purcell, Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager at SYA, explained that the team at the centre had worked closely with the young people who access their services to better understand how to improve their experience while with them.
“This collaboration resulted in requests for nice seating, plants and pots, an area of shade, wind spinners and artificial grass which will ensure the space is usable all year round,” she said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Homes Plus for not only providing us with the funds to realise this dream, but also for their help in putting it all together. The space will turn a previously muddy patch into a small sanctuary, which will be especially beneficial to young people with special educational needs and disabilities,” she added.
The My Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Jewson and Efficiency East Midlands Limited (EEM), supports grass-roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for grants online at: homesplus.co.uk/help-and-advice/the-my-community-fund/