Helpful volunteers complete work at Kirkholt Drop In Centre

A group of hard-working volunteers from Rochdale­ have teamed up to transform the back garden of RBH’s Drop in Centre in Kirkholt.

The team members, all aged between 16 and 25, have completed the improvements to the centre as part of the Community Project element of the Prince’s Trust Team programme run by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

The group decided to support RBH’s Drop In Centre in Kirkholt as it provides a safe and comfortable learning environment for Rochdale’s local children to learn about the environment around them.

The group have transformed the back garden of the centre by weeding between the flagstones, painting a fun and colourful mural to brighten up the space as well as building two planters to grow fruit and vegetables and to help teach the young people to eat healthy.

Jade Phillips, aged 20 and from Rochdale is one of the Team members who has carried out the work. Jade said: “We have all worked really hard on the project and hope we have made a positive difference to the centre for the staff and visitors of Kirkholt Drop In Centre.”

Nicky Morris, Rochdale Borough Housing Communities Action Manager, added: “This enthusiastic group of young people have created a wonderful space where the Kirkholt Junior Wardens can experiment growing fruit and veg.”

The group participated in a five mile sponsored walk at Hollingworth Lake to raise money for the project. The team very kindly had the wood for the planters donated by Howarth Timber in Rochdale and the money raised was spent on other materials needed to complete the project.

Simon Dean, Prince’s Trust Team Leader at Groundwork, commented: “The team have done themselves and the community proud, they’ve worked in all weather to complete the project and have provided the children of Kirkholt a clean bright and safe environment in which to work learn and play.”

For more information on the Groundwork Prince’s Trust development programme please contact Simon Dean on 0161 624 1444 or 07565 101 860.