Green fingered volunteers brighten up Lower Falinge

Volunteers complete their skills building course with Groundwork Prince’s Trust Rochdale

Nine creative volunteers from the Groundwork Prince’s Trust scheme have just spent two weeks adding a splash of paint and creating a neighbourhood garden at the Community Base in Lower Falinge. 

Under the guidance of Team Leader Michael Taylor, the team took part in life-skills training and work experience to prepare themselves for the world of work or a return to education. A major part of the project was to work together on a community project and the base on Lower Falinge was their unanimous choice.

Although paint and other supplies were donated by the RBH Paint Shop, money was still needed to meet their ambitious plans to rejuvenate the garden space.

The money and materials were raised through completing a ten-mile sponsored walk and gaining support from Wilko, the home and garden specialists.    

Volunteer Aakif Rahman explained what they wanted to achieve: “The rooms in the base needed brightening up and we spent several days painting and getting it just right.

“The bigger challenge and the most fun to do was to tackle the garden. We wanted it to have something for everyone, so we fixed up the greenhouse and added growing beds for people to grow vegetables and fruit to eat.

“We also set up flower beds, so children can try a bit of gardening and, once the flowers bloom, add a bit of colour to the neighbourhood.

“There is also a relaxation area where people can just sit and feel close to nature.”

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Community Partnership supported the programme through providing work experience and encouragement for the team. An RBH spokesperson said: “Providing training and opportunities for people looking to change the course of their life is very important to RBH. Not only is it literally life-changing for the individual but it has a positive impact on our neighbourhoods and the life of our borough.”

The Groundwork Prince’s Trust will be starting another course soon. If you would like to find out more visit their website at www.groundwork.org.uk/bbor-princes-trust-team