A community garden in Halewood that helps people to grow independence will be restocked thanks to a community fund by housebuilder Redrow.
Halewood-based Your Voice Your Choice (YVYC) received £500 from the Halewood Community Fund to purchase plants and trees for its community garden.
The group offers an alternative day provision that creates pathways to independence for people who have a disability and/or autism.
The Halewood Community Fund was launched by us to help community groups, charities or other good causes based in, or serving, the area around two of our new developments in the town - The Finches at Hilton Grange, off Lower Road, and Grace Fields at Hilton Grange, off Greensbridge Lane.
Caroline Mawdsley, session leader at YVYC, based at New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre, said: “Throughout lockdown Your Voice Your Choice continued to operate. Many of our members were shielding and our centre was closed but we adapted our programme of activities and took it online and outreach.
“Our online sessions via Zoom and Facebook Live grew in popularity for our members and their families. Feedback from carers and parents was that these sessions were a lifeline and greatly helped with the mental health of both YVYC members and their guardians.
“When lockdown lifted, we wanted to continue offering these sessions but face to face so the confidence that our members gained during lockdown could continue into everyday life. And this money from Redrow will help us do that.”
Many day services have closed down since the pandemic and countless adults with disabilities and autism have gone without a service for several months.
“We’ve seen first-hand the difference being together has made to the wellbeing of the group,” adds Caroline. “We want to offer a variety of activities over a number of days so as many people as possible can benefit.”
The long-term aim is to continue to offer these activities, as well as run children’s activities with local nurseries and pre-schools and non-disabled adults thus breaking down barriers to disability.
By delivering a variety of sessions the group aims to improve people’s mental health, and fitness, break down barriers to loneliness, increase people’s social and life skills whilst offering a non-judgemental safe space to socialise.
“We hope that any disabled adults not attending a day service will take part in the project and improve their wellbeing,” says Caroline.
Sian Pitt, our Lancashire sales director, said: “Social isolation has become a huge problem since the pandemic. Even though lockdowns have been lifted, some people are still finding it hard to integrate back into society. Your Voice Your Choice is doing amazing work within the local community and its members are growing and learning directly as a result of the activities they offer. Donating money to their cause was such an easy decision.”
For more information about Your Voice Your Choice visit their website.
For more information about our new homes in Lancashire please visit our dedicated developments page.
