Greater Aylesbury Sue Nicholls LAF project 2019/20

This was a partnership project working with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

As you can see in the photo below, the garden at Sue Nicholls was originally an overgrown and unusable space. The young people decided that this space could be a an amazing environment for everyone who uses the centre. We began looking at initial designs with CAMHS and Dan Wilson (DeCreate).  The young people chose different areas for the garden including a calm zone, a wildlife area and a bright colourful area. All areas had a variety of seating, plants and artwork all created by the young people and volunteers.
“Seeing how pleased everyone was with the garden made all the hard work worth it!”
“It is a peaceful and calm area in which young people, their families and staff can relax and reflect.”

Some of the work the young people did included making bird boxes, benches and a log area for groups to sit, painting fences and gardening.  Days 3 and 4 were very busy, they painted canvases, upcycled old garden ornaments using spray paint, made more bird boxes, benches, bee homes and bug hotels and decorated the plant pots.  

Scroll through the gallery below to see how hard everyone worked during the project:

This space is now an extraordinary place for young people to use while they are waiting for their appointments or need to take some time out during their session.  It is also a really good space for staff to use if they need some time out from their work day to enjoy their breaks.  Everyone who attended the celebration event and opening ceremony in the garden was amazed and delighted with the transformation and were grateful for the hard work that went into it.  Everyone who took part did an outstanding job and worked so well together!!  Thank you to all of those who were involved.

Scroll through the gallery below to seeing the fantastic result!

“Working with other people just like me and creating strong bonds with them, to help other people who are struggling, was one of the best and most fun times I have had. It has given me hope for the future knowing that there are people out there that want to help and care and come together to create something beautiful and useful.”

“The opening ceremony was an excellent event in which staff, family and friends were able to see all the young people’s hard work!   The garden looks phenomenal – well done everyone.” 

“Seeing the young people work together to create a beautiful and tranquil space for others to use was inspiring to watch.”