Charity celebrates launch of 'beautiful and welcoming' Memories and Moments Garden
The new Crossroads Care dementia garden has been hailed a 'wonderful example of what can be achieved when a local community comes together'
A charity is celebrating the launch of a “valuable resource” - after the local community helped transform an overgrown and unused outdoor space into a “welcoming, safe and accessible garden” for people living with dementia and their carers.
The team at Crossroads Care decided to create the garden at the back of its Rotherham HQ after several clients expressed their wish to take part in gardening activities and spend more time outdoors.
Liz Hopkinson, business development manager at Crossroads Care – which is based at The Point in Bradmarsh - said: “Unfortunately, Crossroads Care did not have a suitable garden space available.
“The team initially tried to meet this need by providing gardening equipment and activities in the seating area at the front of the building, with activities moved indoors during wet weather.
“But while this provided an opportunity for people to enjoy gardening, it was far from ideal.
“Recognising the importance of having a safe, accessible outdoor space where people living with dementia and their carers could enjoy gardening, socialising and spending time together, we contacted local businesses to see whether they would support our ambitious project.
“Behind our building was an overgrown area that required significant work and investment.
“The vision was to transform this unused space into a welcoming, safe and accessible garden, providing seating, gardening facilities and opportunities for outdoor activities.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of local businesses and organisations across Rotherham, that vision has now become a reality.
“The project has received funding from AESSEAL, Mears, and Henry Boot, while many other Rotherham businesses have generously donated materials, plants, equipment, labour and their expertise.
“Materials were also provided at significantly reduced costs or free of charge, helping Crossroads Care achieve far more than would otherwise have been possible.
“Mears Group staff provided labour and practical support, working alongside Rotherham-based contractor Steve Williams, who has done an amazing job transforming the previously overgrown area into a beautiful and welcoming garden.
“Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the Memories and Moments Garden possible, including HC Limited, HUWs, Travis Perkins, Round Table Rotherham, NEXT, Wilkinson, Home Flair and Guilthwaite Nursery who gave their time, skills, materials and support.
“The successful launch is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a local community comes together with a shared purpose.”
Kate Davis, chief executive officer at Crossroads Care, said: “This garden started with a simple request from the people who use our services.
“They wanted somewhere they could enjoy gardening and spend time outdoors.
We listened, and, with the incredible support of our local business community, we were able to turn that request into something very special.
“We are incredibly grateful to every organisation, business and individual who contributed. “Their generosity has made a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
“The Memories and Moments Garden is much more than a garden. It is a place to create memories, enjoy moments together, develop friendships and provide opportunities for people to continue doing the things they enjoy.”
“We are delighted to see the Memories and Moments Garden now being enjoyed by clients, carers, staff and the wider community and look forward to seeing many more special memories created there in the years ahead.”