Young people have helped to spruce up a community garden for the elderly in Hemel Hempstead as part of a Prince’s Trust scheme, run in partnership with the police and fire service.
The trust’s 12-week personal development course for 16 to 24year-olds aims to give them the skills and confidence to secure employment and/or further education.
As part of this they complete a two-week community project, raising funds for a worthy cause and carrying out works.
PC Arron Worbey, who is currently working with the Prince’s Trust as a mentor alongside colleagues at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, helped the young people identify The Centre in the Park as a worthy cause.
It is a charity-run social centre for the elderly in the grounds of Gadebridge Park.
PC Worbey said: “Their garden was in a state of disrepair and so unsafe that it could not be enjoyed properly. To raise money for the works we held a local cake sale and sought sponsorship, raising almost £500.
“The young people worked hard clearing the garden’s access routes, repairing loose paving, fixing guttering and removing weeds. They also secured donations of plants from a local company.”
The group, accompanied by PC Worbey, recently officially handed over the improved garden along with almost £200 left over from their fundraising efforts.
PC Worbey added: “I have been really impressed by the young people on this course who have thrown themselves into every task and have made a real difference to those who attend the Centre in the Park, who can now enjoy a cuppa and a chat in the garden over the summer months.”
0 Comments