Over 80 staff from local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties took part in a two day refurbishment project at Griffin Lodge and York House residential homes in Cheadle Green this week as part of their Making a Difference days.
In true MAD day style, the team took just two days to create a sensory garden, plant herbs and vegetables, tidy the flower beds, repaint existing and erect new fencing, build bird boxes and to revamp a poly tunnel in which residents make hanging baskets to be sold to the public. Indoors, an art room which is used for art therapy sessions with the residents and a communal lounge were redecorated.
Following a ‘rescue mission’ of fourteen local battery farm chickens earlier this year, the team were also called upon to build a ‘pets corner’, for the residents’ ever-increasing stock of animals, which is soon to include guinea pigs and a rabbit.
Denise Gibson, Registered Manager and Head of Adult Services for Seashell Trust, said: “Through the endeavours of the MAD day volunteers the residents at Griffin Lodge have been given an opportunity to expand the therapeutic benefits of caring for small animals in the new pets’ corner. The activity also enables the residents to have sensory experiences through touch and smell, which is further enhanced by the provision of a herb garden. In addition the herbs can be used to help develop independent life skills through cookery sessions, including using our free range eggs The revamping of the poly tunnel will ensure the residents will be able to plant seeds and tend them until they become ready for planting in the baskets and pots, which will lead to more community contact and inclusion.”
Organised and partially funded by local Housing provider Guinness Northern Counties, the “Making a Difference” event was supported by the Seashell Trust who provided lunch and refreshments for the volunteers. As many as nine local businesses also supported the project including George Jones, City Response Limited and Pets at Home.
Justin Hirst, Community Investment Manager for Guinness Northern Counties, and one of the main organisers of the MAD day, said: “The principle behind a MAD Day is that it allows us to get involved with one of the communities that we work within, to learn new skills, to contribute to something we normally would not be able to and for colleagues from different offices to meet each other. We have had a really good two days, the predicted rain did not materialise and we have achieved everything we set out to do for the residents and the Seashell Trust. We’d also like to thank everyone involved for their generous contributions to this project, without which we would not have achieved the work we set out to do.”
The residential homes, which are both in Cheadle Green, provide care and support to adults with autism and hearing impairments. The homes are owned by Guinness Northern Counties and services are provided in partnership with the Seashell Trust.