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Sensory garden offers beneficial wildlife experience to care patients
NEW FACILITY: Laura Brew and Graham Taubman, a resident of the house, have a first look at the sensory garden. PHOTO: Mike Wade MW120908 (14).
THE opening of a therapeutic ‘sensory garden’ at Glenroyd residential care home in Ramsey was a success, with manager Paul Ormond-Smith hailing the already-apparent benefits of the new facility.
The opening party also marked the 10 year anniversary of the Lezayre Road care home, operated by Praxis Care Group, which caters for five young men with profound learning disabilities, who in addition have physical impairments and very complex needs.
Mr Ormond-Smith said the idea of the garden was first mooted in 2003, but was put on hold due to high costs and other demands. Thanks to recent efforts from staff, residents, their families, sponsors and the community the garden finally became a reality, opened in front of 140 guests including John McGregor, vice chairman of Praxis Care, Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer and the Minister for Health David Anderson MHK.
Mr Ormond-Smith said: ‘As every gardener will tell you, to have a truly special garden requires many years of nurturing. This task has been embraced by the residents and staff team at Glenroyd and the early results are already very impressive indeed.’
He added: ‘The proof as they say is in the pudding and since its creation this summer, we have clearly seen a much greater desire from our service users to use the garden; some choosing to learn new skills and to assist in the watering and tendering of the raised borders and hanging baskets, others choosing to sit in the garden and enjoy the aromas and the tranquil settings and appreciate the foliage, flora and additional wildlife attracted to the garden.’
Visitors to the opening on Saturday were entertained by the Crosby Silver Band, dance group Ny Fenee and folk music from Barbara Killey, as well as a performance from magician Colin Boardman.
Mr Ormond-Smith thanked everyone who made the project possible, including main sponsors Ramsey Folk Club, RAOB Club, the Ballamona Association, Isle of Man Farmers, Royal Bank of Scotland, Verve Consultants, and Castletown Ale Drinkers’ Society.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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