Sue Ryder Garden Makeover

Description

The Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project was a transformative initiative aimed at rejuvenating the outdoor space of the Sue Ryder House Ballyroan, Co. Laois, which had become unusable and unsafe for it’s residents. The absence of a functional and inviting outdoor area deprived the residents of a place to relax, engage with nature, and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

Prior to the project, the garden had fallen into disarray, with overgrown vegetation, unsightly surroundings, and numerous health and safety hazards. Recognising the importance of an outdoor space for the mental and physical well-being of older people, the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project sought to address these issues and create a safe, attractive, and accessible garden for the residents to enjoy.

One of the key aspects of the project was the inclusion of a biodiversity section, designed to support and promote local flora and fauna. This not only added beauty to the garden but also contributed to mitigating climate change by providing a habitat for various species and enhancing the overall ecological balance of the area. Additionally, a polytunnel was incorporated into the garden, offering a controlled environment for growing plants and vegetables, thereby encouraging sustainable practices and self-sufficiency.

Understanding the sensory needs of the residents, the project also included the creation of a dedicated sensory section within the garden. This area was designed to stimulate the senses through the use of aromatic plants, textured surfaces, and soothing sounds, providing a therapeutic experience for the residents. Benches were strategically placed throughout the garden to allow residents to sit, relax, and fully enjoy their newly transformed outdoor space. The Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project was made possible through the generous support of the community. The total value of donations received for the project amounted to approximately €5,500. This impressive sum was the result of contributions from 12 local businesses, as well as collaboration with three local community groups: Ballyroan Tidy Towns, Portlaoise Men’s Shed and Abbeyleix Lions Club. The involvement of these organisations and the dedication of the 37 volunteers who participated in the project exemplified the community’s commitment to improving the lives of the elderly residents.

In conclusion, the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project successfully transformed an unusable and unsafe garden into a vibrant and inclusive outdoor space for the elderly residents of Sue Ryder House Ballyroan, Co. Laois. The addition of a biodiversity section and a polytunnel demonstrated a commitment to addressing climate change, while the sensory section and benches catered to the mental and physical health needs of the residents. The collaboration and support from local businesses, community groups, and volunteers highlighted the power of community engagement in creating positive change.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project was to transform the existing unusable and unsafe garden at Sue Ryder House Ballyroan into a functional, safe, and attractive outdoor space for the elderly residents. The project sought to address the lack of outdoor space available to the residents and create an environment that would promote their mental and physical well-being, while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration through the involvement of local businesses, community groups, and volunteers.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a biodiversity section and a polytunnel demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change. These features aimed to promote biodiversity, support local flora and fauna, and encourage sustainable gardening practices within the garden.

Who is it aimed at

The Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project initiative is primarily aimed at the residents of the Sue Ryder House in Ballyroan. These individuals, who reside in the centre, were the direct beneficiaries of the garden transformation. The project recognised the importance of providing them with a safe, accessible, and appealing outdoor space that could significantly contribute to their mental and physical well-being. The garden is also accessible to others in the community. The initiative aimed to address the specific needs of older people by creating a garden environment that would offer them a place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the positive effects of fresh air and sunshine. The inclusion of features like a sensory section and comfortable seating benches further emphasized the project’s focus on catering to the residents’ unique sensory and recreational requirements. In addition to benefiting the residents, the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project also aimed to foster a sense of community and collaboration. It provided an opportunity for local businesses, volunteers, and community groups to come together and actively contribute to the betterment of the residents’ lives. By involving these stakeholders, the project sought to create a shared sense of responsibility and solidarity within the community.

Overall, the initiative aimed to improve the quality of life for those who reside at Sue Ryder House by providing them with a well-designed, safe, and enjoyable garden space. The project recognised the significance of outdoor environments in promoting the mental and physical health of older people, highlighting the value of investing in initiatives that enhance their well-being.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Assess the garden: Evaluate the existing condition of the garden and identify areas that require attention and improvement. Create a priority list of tasks to be completed. Document “before” visuals: Take photographs and videos of the garden before any work begins. This will serve as a visual reference to showcase the transformation achieved through the project. Contact local businesses: Reach out to local businesses and explain the project’s goals and objectives. Seek their support through donations of materials, equipment, or financial contributions. Call for volunteers: Publicize the project and call for volunteers from the community. Share the details of the project, its significance, and the roles volunteers can play. Provide contact information for interested individuals to get involved. Connect with local community groups: Establish communication with other local community groups, such as Ballyroan Tidy Towns, Portlaoise Men’s Shed and Abbeyleix Lions Club. Discuss potential collaboration opportunities and explore how their skills, resources, or networks can contribute to the project’s success.
2. Acquisition of materials and equipment: Determine the materials and equipment required to complete the garden makeover. Coordinate with local businesses to acquire necessary supplies through donations or discounted rates. Coordinate deliveries: Arrange for the delivery of materials and equipment to the project site. Ensure a smooth and timely delivery process to minimise disruptions to the project timeline. Organise volunteers into teams: Assess the skills and expertise of the volunteers and divide them into teams based on their abilities and interests. Schedule their involvement around their availability and assign them specific tasks. Collaborate with Portlaoise Men’s Shed: Work closely with Portlaoise Men’s Shed, leveraging their expertise in carpentry, construction, or other relevant areas. Coordinate their involvement in the project and assign them tasks that align with their expertise and capabilities.
3. Supervise the work: Provide guidance and supervision to ensure that all work is executed according to the project’s standards. Regularly check the progress, address any concerns, and offer support to the volunteers and community groups involved. Ensure high-quality outcomes: Maintain a focus on achieving high-quality results throughout the project. Pay attention to detail and ensure that all tasks are completed to the best possible standards. Document “after” visuals: Take photographs and videos of the garden after completion of the work. This will serve as a visual reference to showcase the transformation achieved at the end of the project. By following this step-by-step process, the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover has been effectively executed, maximising community involvement and creating a safe and appealing outdoor space for the elderly residents.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Acquiring donations with a limited budget:
   One significant challenge was acquiring the necessary materials, equipment, and supplies with a budget of zero euros for the project. Relying on donations from local businesses was crucial, but it required effective communication and persuasion to secure contributions. Convincing businesses to support the project without financial compensation necessitated highlighting the social impact and benefits for the community.
2. Time frame:
   The limited time frame was another challenge in planning and executing the garden makeover. With a project spanning six days spread over three weekends, efficient time management was crucial. Coordinating tasks, scheduling volunteers, and ensuring each step was completed within the allocated time required careful planning and coordination. Overcoming unexpected delays or setbacks within this tight schedule also posed a challenge.
3. Coordination of deliveries and volunteers: Coordinating the deliveries of materials, equipment, and supplies to the project site was essential for a smooth execution. Ensuring that the necessary resources arrived on time and in the right quantities was crucial to avoiding disruptions and maintaining progress. Coordinating volunteer involvement was equally challenging, as individuals had different availability and areas of expertise. Effective scheduling and communication were necessary to align volunteers’ skills with the appropriate tasks and maintain a steady workflow throughout the project.Despite these challenges, the project team’s commitment, effective communication, and strategic planning played a vital role in overcoming obstacles and successfully delivering the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Safe and visually appealing garden space:
   The primary objective of the project was to create a safe and visually appealing garden space for the residents of Sue Ryder House. By addressing the overgrown and unsafe conditions, the transformed garden became a secure and inviting area where the elderly residents could spend time outdoors. The addition of a sensory section provided a therapeutic experience, stimulating their senses and contributing to their overall well-being.
2. Biodiversity enhancement:
   Another important outcome of the project was the incorporation of biodiversity aspects into the garden. Bird feeders were installed to attract and support local bird populations, promoting a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. Native flora was planted, creating a habitat for various insects and wildlife. The inclusion of a polytunnel allowed for the cultivation of fresh produce, promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency. Native trees from Trees on the Land were also planted, adding to the ecological value of the garden. These efforts contributed to the preservation and promotion of local biodiversity.
3. Community collaboration and support:
   The Sue Ryder Garden Makeover project fostered a strong sense of community involvement and collaboration. Local businesses played a crucial role by offering support through donations of materials, equipment, or financial contributions. Volunteers, including those from community groups such as Portlaoise Men’s Shed, Ballyroan Tidy Towns and Abbeyleix Lions Club, dedicated their time and expertise to the project. Laois Volunteer Centre facilitated the coordination 12 local businesses, 3 community groups and 37 volunteers to provide valuable assistance. This collective effort showcased the power of community engagement and highlighted the community’s commitment to helping the residents of Sue Ryder House have a garden they could enjoy.
   Overall, the outcomes of the Sue Ryder Garden Makeover project encompassed the creation of a safe and visually appealing garden space, the enhancement of biodiversity, and the fostering of community collaboration.These outcomes not only improved the lives of the older people residing in the Sue Ryder House but also contributed to the ecological balance of the area and strengthened community connections.