Staff transform young people’s garden

The garden and surrounds of a project in Salford that provides support and accommodation to young people faced with being homeless have been completely transformed by employees from a major business based in Salford Quays.

Staff at Bupa UK had decided for their corporate day they would like to do some voluntary work, and through contacts with Adullam Homes’ Liberty House project it was agreed they would help tidy up the garden at the project.

Dozens of Bupa staff took part, arriving at Liberty by bus before dividing up into small groups to complete a variety of jobs.

They weeded the garden, painted the front and back fences, created a completely new vegetable garden, painted the outdoor rails, and planted flowers across the site.

It didn’t stop there! They cut back the hedges and jet washed the back garden hard surface areas. One of the BUPA staff members came to the rescue with this, as Liberty could not find their jet wash and so he went home and got his own. Another member of the Bupa team took the bags of green waste to the tip too.

The difference the work has made is huge. Sarah Hargreaves, Property Services and Operational Manager at Liberty House, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all who gave their time to help give the young people at Liberty House a garden they can use and be proud of. Every single person who attended gave everything to help improve the lives our of young people.”

A member of staff from Liberty and one of the residents joined in to help out; and the work has prompted reactions from the young residents. One said: “It looks beautiful” and another showed it had provided positive inspiration by saying: “When I move I will help my neighbours with their gardens.”

With everywhere looking so great the young people are enjoying spending time in the revamped garden. Staff are also going to get them involved in growing their own vegetables and then using what they grow for cooking sessions.