PEOPLE with learning problems in York are enjoying a garden which has been given a new lease of life – thanks to the work of a team of dedicated volunteers.
Youngsters gave up a chunk of their half-term break to help staff transform the patient garden area at the Oak Rise Learning Disability Unit following the securing of a £2,000 grant from York Community Pride’s Community Foundation.
The makeover team, who were all part of the Youth ACE volunteering project run by national conservation charity BCTV, swung into action after a successful application for the necessary funding was made by Oak Rise’s unit manager Julie Nutbrown and staff nurse Laura Ramsey.
“Before, there was nowhere pleasant to sit or enjoy the outside area, but now we have an environmentally-friendly little sanctuary for our service users, their families and friends to use throughout their stay at Oak Rise,” said Julie.
“We’re so very grateful to all the young people from the volunteer team who gave up their time and who will be back over the Easter weekend to add the finishing touches.”
Jan Norton, grants manager at the Community Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the transformation which has taken place in the garden area at Oak Rise.
“When Laura made the application, she said she wanted to create a sensory garden and provide an area where patients can spend time with relatives. When I learned BCTV were carrying out the work with their volunteer group, I knew they would make a fantastic job of it.”
The Press (York), 14th April 2009
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