Council team steps in to spruce up a care home garden in need of a bit of TLC.
The Council-run Eric Williams House called for help as staff there felt the garden needed an upgrade and some colourful blooms to give residents some summer cheer.
So they asked Streetpride if they could step in – and the service went above and beyond.
Normally, the team’s work would be centred around grounds maintenance and just routine cutting back of shrubs and flowerbeds, but when the team heard residents and the team wanted something a bit special, they were happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
They started out by clearing the garden space of overgrown weeds, and then dug out a shrub bed and put in fresh soil so new flowers could be planted.
Then, they cleared the pathways of moss and gave them and the patio furniture a good jet wash. They also sanded down the benches so they could be repainted, and then even found time to switch their attention to the front of the building for some weeding and a general tidy-up.
It was a big job, but the team volunteered to work in their own time to get it all done, and finished the transformation in days.
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “Street Pride colleagues work hard across the city keeping everything looking neat and tidy and it’s a really demanding job, but when they heard residents at Eric Williams House needed a bit of a summer makeover for their garden, they didn’t hesitate.
“The staff there do an incredible job and they and the residents really deserve something a bit special, so that’s what colleagues set out to do. The results are amazing, and Street Pride colleagues should be very proud. Thank you to them for all their hard work.”
Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, added: “The residents at Eric Williams – just like all of us – love spending time in the garden in the summer, but it was looking in need of a bit of help.
“What started out as a tidy-up soon developed into a real facelift, and Street Pride colleagues have not only brightened the garden, but also brightened the days of the lovely residents there, and the hard-working staff. Everyone at the home is delighted and are all now big fans of Street Pride!”
Terri Hallinan Manager at Eric Williams, said: “‘On behalf of everyone at Eric Williams House, I just want to say a huge thank you to the Street Pride team. The garden looks so much brighter and more welcoming, and it has made such a difference for our residents.
Now residents can sit outside and enjoy the summer in lovely surroundings, spending time with family, friends and staff. It really does mean a lot to everyone here.’