Words by Angela Clark, photos by David Watson
A local community centre received a facelift this Spring, thanks to a group of young adults with mild learning disabilities.
Unity Enterprise wanted to help brighten their base at Dalmuir C.E Centre.
David Watson, Service Coordinator, said: “The building was so dull and dreary, especially the entrance. The group takes such an interest in it.”
With no money or materials, David put an advert for donations of gardening materials on social media.
He was looking for half a tonne of compost.
Shortly after posting he returned to find two tonnes of soil in the car park!
He said: “We had to get it moved very quickly, so we filled the front areas and along the side of the building with compost.”
A successful funding application to Volunteer Matters/Action Earth for £250 allowed the group to buy plants.
David added: “We also managed to get some rocks from Loch Lomond to decorate the area.
“And we got two half barrels donated from a whisky company which the group polished.
“Then we spent weeks getting the ground ready for the plants.
“It was looking gorgeous, everyone coming into the centre commented on how nice it looked.
“We painted the railing to the wheelchair ramp and the main entrance door.
“I thought if we’re going to do the garden the whole place has to look nice. It has made a massive difference.”
An additional grant of £500 from the DWF Foundation means the group can buy more plants plus gardening tools and waterproof jackets so they can work outside in all weathers.
David added: “It makes our guys feel really good to give something to the community, it makes them feel useful.”
Two of the young adults involved in the clean-up are delighted with the results.
Paul Sullivan said: “I enjoy keeping the gardens tidy and clearing any leaves or weeds away, and I know people coming to the centre like how nice the gardens look now.”
And Siobhan Kidd added: “I enjoy planting bulbs and then seeing them grow into flowers with lots of different colours.”
The group is always grateful for any gardening donations – contact
da**********@un**************.com
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