Retirement living residents in Worcester to benefit from garden revamp

Residents at a retirement living scheme in Worcester are set to benefit from improved communal garden facilities thanks to funding from our Community Chest programme. 

Parkheath retirement living scheme in Hallow has been awarded funds to help revamp its outdoor communal space with new garden furniture and accessories. 

The project aims to create a more welcoming and accessible outdoor area where residents can relax, socialise and enjoy time together, helping reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. 

The new furniture will replace existing heavy composite furniture which many residents found difficult to move and use comfortably. 

The improvements will benefit all residents living at the 27 flats at Parkheath, designed to encourage greater social interaction and inclusion. 

Ria Harrison, our Retirement Housing Officer for Parkheath said: “The communal garden is such an important space for residents at Parkheath and we’re really pleased to be able to improve it for everyone living there. 

“The new furniture will make the space much more accessible and enjoyable, giving residents somewhere comfortable to sit together, socialise and spend time outdoors. 

“Projects like this can make a real difference in helping people feel more connected and reducing social isolation.” 

The project was supported by our Community Engagement team following feedback from residents. 

Working closely with residents, scheme managers and our estate team, Nicholas Richardson, our Community Engagement Officer, helped coordinate the project. 

Nick said: “This project is a great example of colleagues working together and listening to what customers were telling us.  Residents explained that the existing furniture was difficult for them to move and use, so we worked together to find a practical solution that would make the communal garden more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.” 

Residents are planning to celebrate the improvements with a community tea party once the new furniture has been installed. 

Our Community Chest fund supports a wide range of local projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, community cohesion and opportunities for local people.  The pot is for our customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting our customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.   

Photo caption : l to r, Ria Harrison, Retirement Housing Officer, Platform Housing Group; Alison Dodds-Crowley, Mobile Scheme Cleaner, Platform Housing Group and Derek Hodge, a Parkheath customer.