Volunteers form the Church Street Ward have been working hard to transform the residents’ garden at 60 Penfold Court, a sheltered housing unit for elderly people. 

The garden, which started off as bland, overgrown and full of weeds has now been designed specifically to stimulate the senses.  This is to help residents living in the shared unit who suffer from diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Over three months we worked closely with the staff at 60 Penfold court to engage residents to the maximum through the entire gardening process, from consultation to clearing, then planting and finally watering.  The garden is now an explosion of colour, fragrance and texture, with a vegetable patch and an area specifically for wildlife. 

To help complete the project two teams of energetic volunteers from top City firms KPMG and Prudential gave their time, paid for by their employers, to work with the Vital Regeneration team.  More than 50 volunteers took part.  Since the completion of the garden the staff and residents have had a barbecue with family and friends to celebrate their improved outdoor space.