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A team of hardworking young people from the Prince’s Trust scheme in Penrith have completed work on a sensory garden in at the town's Greengarth Residential Home.

The team has been responsible for all aspects of the project including the garden’s design, the labour and fundraising for materials.

Three weeks after work began the garden now has a variety of plants, colours, art and furniture which the team has used to create a unique area. The aim was to produce a space that the residents could relax in and enjoy, as well as keeping them active by being responsible for the garden's maintenance.

Richard Bastille, Princes Trust team leader in Penrith said: "This garden is a tremendous achievement and all the young people involved can be very proud of themselves. The volunteer team members have worked incredibly hard to realise their ideas and make the project a success.

"The garden at Greengarth is the result of a community project taken on by the young people as a part of their Prince’s Trust Team programme. The TEAM programme aims to re-engage young people who are not in employment, education or training by removing some of the obstacles in life that are barriers to both their development and ability to make positive contributions to society.

"We hope the finished garden will brighten up their lives and by giving them ownership will keep them involved in the upkeep of the garden. We want Greengarth’s residents to be able to enjoy the beautiful sounds of water, birds and chimes as well as be inspired by a phenomenal bed of scented flowers and herbs.

"To make the garden project a reality, the team raised an amazing £350 from a street collection in Penrith, demonstrating how generous the people of Penrith are and is testimony to their support of the young people on the project and their local community.

"This is Team two which has completed the garden and Team one helped revamp Penrith Cricket Club in February so already people can see the difference that the young people on the scheme are making."

Team member Daniel Mitchell, 19, said: "The programme is awesome for young people like us as it gives us the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and help our community. It's a brilliant way for all of us to work together as a team.

"Building the garden was great fun and it's been a pleasure to help out the people at Greengarth."

Greengarth Manager Sue Tweddle said: "We're extremely pleased with the project. It’s generated a very positive experience and created a lot of interest amongst the residents, visitors and staff. The residents have watched with anticipation the transformation and are all looking forward to spending more time in the garden."

The project also received grant funding from CSV Action Earth Campaign and B&Q and has been supported by a number of local businesses. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service Prince’s Trust would like to thank, JT Atkinson & Sons Ltd Nilfisk ALTO, Arcade Pet Stores, Morrisons and B&Q Penrith.

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service Penrith Prince’s Trust are recruiting now for team three, commencing September 21st 2009. If you or anybody you know are interested in learning new skills and gaining qualifications whilst making a positive contribution to your community please contact Richard Bastille on 01768 869435/ 07795666848 for further information.

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme in Penrith is a 12 week programme delivered by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and is an excellent opportunity for young people aged 16-25 to gain confidence, achieve a variety of qualifications and work towards improving their career prospects and education. 

Since being established by HRH the Prince of Wales in 1976, the Prince’s Trust has helped over half a million young people.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226334