Garden makeover transforms outdoor space at Woodbury

Guests Woodbury short stay facility are enjoying access to a new garden after a disused outdoor space was given a makeover.

Celebrations were held at the centre in Whitefield to mark the opening of the new garden with guests including Bury Mayor Cllr Jane Black.

The Mayor planted a cherry tree in the garden which also features flower beds, a gazebo, seating area and space to grow fruit and vegetables.

Woodbury is used for short stay respite visits by people with learning disabilities from across Bury.

Guests stay at the Whalley Road accommodation to give carers or families a break. It also provides support for people in emergency situations for example if they need to vacate their home or their care needs change.

All meals are provided, alongside personal care, social activities and skills and learning opportunities.

The garden party celebrations featured staff members from Persona, as well as a number of regular customers who stay at Woodbury.

Guests who stay at Woodbury were closely involved in the garden’s design and planning - choosing plants and furniture and helping to make sure it is as accessible as possible. The staff team were given a blank sheet with the redesigned garden space and wasted no time planting up the accessible raised beds and making some homely finishing touches.

Kat Sowden, Managing Director of Persona Care and Support said: "The new garden at Woodbury has transformed an underused outside space into a haven for guests who come here for short stays. It is a beautiful oasis for people to enjoy - whether sitting and relaxing with friends or trying something more active like gardening or food growing.

"It’s important that respite accommodation provides a real home from home environment for people, and having a safe, attractive and accessible outdoor space is a big part of that."

The Mayor sent this message of thanks following the event:

I was so pleased to attend the opening of the new garden area at Woodbury and would like to thank you all for the very warm welcome and lovely refreshments I received.
I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon; it was really good to see the event so well attended and to meet so many.  This garden will be such a great asset and I’m sure will be enjoyed by many.
Thank you for inviting me to join you; I was delighted to be able to do so.
With kind regards and very best wishes, Jane.

For more information about Woodbury click here