A DONATION of £1500 and a group of over 20 eager volunteers from intu have helped to refresh the garden at Autism East Midlands’ Fairview and Lynton residential home ahead of warmer weather in Carlton this week.
Autism East Midlands was unable to transform the garden without external support and reached out to intu directly for help, the team at intu were delighted to assist and donated both funds and their time. The charity has been working with intu for over a year, helping it to make its Nottingham-based shopping centres autism friendly.
The garden, based at Fairview and Lynton residential home, offers those with autism a safe and secure environment to go about their daily lives. Residents frequently visit the much-loved garden which was in need of a refresh and a few new modern touches.
Nigel Wheatley, general manager for intu in Nottingham, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Autism East Midlands and to have been able to make a real difference locally through donating our team’s time and some much-needed funds.
“When asked our team were really eager to help Autism East Midlands transform its garden and we hope it is enjoyed by the residents all year round. This is part of the work by intu to promote social togetherness and tackle local issues within the communities which we serve.”
As part of the works, intu’s team of volunteers helped to tidy the garden through weeding, mowing the grass and planting greenery. Alongside this, one of intu’s partners – design agency Inspired Thinking Group – also donated a modern wrap which has transformed the garden’s portable cabin, allowing it to be used by Autism East Midlands’ team all year round.
Matthew Orford, head of adult services at Autism East Midlands said: “We are delighted that intu have chosen to support us in developing the garden at Fairview and Lynton. This will provide a much improved space for our service users to enjoy time outside. The sensory experience provided by the garden will enhance the lives of service users through colour, smell and tactile experiences. We are proud of our partnership with intu and we are sure it will go from strength to strength”
