Big Spring Thing

Customers from independent living schemes in Herefordshire and Shropshire have been busy giving their communal gardens a makeover this spring.

As part of the ‘Big Spring Thing’, customers, Connexus staff and contractor volunteers got together at Henffordd Gardens in Hereford and Beech Gardens in Ludlow to tidy up outdoor spaces.

Colleagues from Connexus were joined by contractor volunteers from Herefordshire Council's waste management team, Radis and AAFD cleaning services to help transform the areas into welcoming communal spaces for customers.

Lyndon Barrington, resident said: "we had a great day, we managed to get a lot cleaned and got some planting done in the sun."

From planting vegetables and flowers, to scrubbing and pressure washing garden furniture and shelters, and making sure paths were weed free. Everyone helped to make the gardens more welcoming for the warmer months for customers to enjoy the outside space.

Everyone helped to make the gardens more inviting for the warmer months, from planting vegetables and flowers, to scrubbing and pressure washing garden furniture and shelters, and making sure paths were weed free. Resident Daniel Thompson, said: "I had an amazing day, my favourite part was helping to plant, it brought back good memories."

The events were a great opportunity for customers to connect and enjoy the shared spaces together. For those unable to get outside, independent living coordinators arranged indoor pot planting so everyone could take part and feel included.

Rebecca Morris, Independent Living Manager at Connexus said: “the Big Spring Thing wasn’t just about gardening and tidying, it was about maintaining and managing our communal spaces for customers to enjoy. On schemes we adapt activities and support for individual customer needs, it was great to see everyone working together as a team, enjoying themselves and getting involved.”

For more information on independent living check out the Independent Living page.