Green Days garden makeover!
Green Days Garden makeover!
Sam with his transformed garden
On a snow covered morning in February 2009, staff from Job Centre Plus, Llanelli teamed up with the Well Child Helping Hands organisation to transform Sam’s back yard, into a sensory garden.
Sam, 13, from Llanelli, who has tuberous sclerosis, is registered blind and has a brain tumour. He has been unable to play in his garden, as it was predominantly concrete with mounds of earth. He hasn’t been able to enjoy his garden with his brothers and sisters in a safe and stimulating way.
The Well Child organisation aims to provide practical support and improve the quality of life for seriously ill children/young people through one off projects e.g bedroom makeovers/garden makeovers, working with teams of corporate volunteers.
Lee Trunks, Helping Hands Project Manager said, “This is our first project in Wales and we are delighted that we are able to utilise the volunteered help from the Job Centre Plus staff, Haydn Bennett, the landscape gardener and the Green Days Environmental Volunteering project to turn Sam’s garden into a safe, usable and stimulating space.”
Over ten staff from Job Centre Plus, Llanelli volunteered their time over 5 days to complete the transformation. Haydn Bennett also gave his valuable time and design experience to the concept of the makeover.
Rachel Lovell, Green Days Volunteering Officer commented, “The entire project was made possible by the volunteering commitment of Haydn Bennett, and staff from Job Centre Plus who were able to be released from work to get involved in this fantastic garden make over.”
Sam’s parents, John and Michelle and all of the family were delighted with the result, as they are all able to enjoy their outside space over the coming months.
If you would like to know more about Green Days Environmental Volunteering, please contact Rachel Lovell at CAVS on 01554 778601, email Rachel@cavs.org.uk
