14/12/2004 - Support for sensory garden

Local fundraisers will be one of the first to see a new sensory garden at Windmill, Kendal Day Centre that was built with money they raised from numerous fundraising activities. The Cumbria County Council run Day Centre will officially thank the fundraisers at their Christmas buffet on Wednesday 15 December at 12.00pm at Windmill, Dowker Lane, Kendal.

The centre provides support for 14 adults with profound learning disabilities. The staff wanted to transform the small garden area into a safe and wheelchair friendly space where the service users could relax and enjoy sensory stimulation.

ASDA in Kendal also got involved with the fundraising. Several fundraising events were arranged including tombola's, raffles and fun days at the store. Cumbria Care staff and parents of service users also joined in with the fundraising for this project which started in January 2003. ASDA raised a massive £3000 and the Windmill Supporters Group contributed £600. Service users from Horticare Day Centre provided their services by planting bulbs in the planters which will help create wonderful sensory stimulation in the Spring. CAPITA also showed their support by agreeing to draw up the plans and manage the work free of charge. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, spokesman for care and social services said:

"This is a great project and both ASDA and the Windmill Supporters Group have worked really hard in raising the money. The garden has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses of the users with plants, water, sand and a games area making it a wonderful place to relax in and enjoy. The county council is committed to enabling those with learning disabilities to experience things that perhaps we take for granted. I'm delighted that we have these facilities in Kendal and well done to everyone who has been involved in the project"