Safe Local Trades volunteers answer ‘DIY SOS’ for resource centre garden revamp

VOLUNTEERS from Safe Local Trades in Peterborough joined forces in their own DIY SOS-style transformation project for the city’s newly opened Dementia Resource Centre.

The facility on Lincoln Road opened its door last September, providing a hub for dementia support; offering information, advice, activity groups and training for carers.

But it was when the centre appealed for help in transforming a patch of wasteland into a community garden - where patients and groups can plant flowers and grow vegetables - that Safe Local Trades came to the rescue.

Following an appeal to members by Safe Local Trades director Eileen Le Voi, free materials and labour by generous volunteers have led to the revamping of the area to create a calming and relaxing space.

Among those offering their help were Travis Perkins in Ivatt Way, Peterborough – who provided all the building materials free of charge.

The design and transformation of the garden was thanks to Safe Local Trades landscape experts, members Oakfield UK and Style Home Improvements.

Safe Local Trades director Eileen Le Voi, who co-ordinated the project, said: “These generous members had no hesitation in offering their services, skills and time to this remarkable and very worthwhile project – I can’t thank them enough.

“The end result looks wonderful and we all hope that the patients and activity groups using the garden will get enormous pleasure from it.”

Rob Henchy, interim commissioning manager, Adult Social Care, Peterborough City Council said: “This act of kindness and generosity, reminiscent of the BBC’s DIY SOS programme, is thanks to individuals from Oakfield UK for excavating the land and from Style Home Improvements for laying the paving slabs, and of course to Travis Perkins for donating the materials for the ground works.

“A huge thank you from everyone at the Dementia Resource Centre to you all and especially to Eileen Le Voi from Safe Local Trades Peterborough for making this happen.”

As the Dementia Resource Centre were so grateful, they erected a plaque on the wall thanking Safe Local Trades and their members for donating their time and labour in making it possible to happen.

The centre is run by the Alzheimer’s Society and funded by Peterborough City Council.