“A group of Babcock apprentices have helped make a difference to patients on a rehabilitation ward run by Livewell Southwest as part of a community project.
Each year, apprentices at Babcock undertake three community projects to support and this year chose the garden area of the Plym Neuro Unit as one of them.
Plym Neuro is a specialist rehabilitation service for people aged 16 and over who have suffered brain or spinal cord injuries or other neurological conditions.
Patients can be on the ward for a number of months and the outdoor space provides somewhere for them to spend time with their families away from the ward and a pleasant space for therapy.
The garden was in desperate need of a clean-up as it had grown into disrepair but the apprentices have now made it into a bright, open and welcoming space, much to the delight of the team.
Di Kendall, occupational therapist team leader on Plym Neuro, was involved in the project.
She said: “The apprentices have done an amazing job and everyone on the ward is incredibly grateful to them.
“The garden space was desperately in need of a refurbishment and clean up as it is one of the only areas outside of the ward that many of our patients can use.
“Not only do we now have a lovely, safe area for patients and their families to use and we can now start using the space for therapy sessions.”
In just under a week, the apprentices painted the fence, cleared out the plants and weeds, decorated the planters and benches and created more seating and planting areas for the patients to enjoy.
The apprentices also used their skills to create a shiny new sign for the garden and some beautiful metallic butterflies.
Russ Locock and Trevor Boobier, apprenticeship development managers at Babcock said they were delighted that the team were able to make such a difference.
Russ added: “Each year our apprentices spend a week carrying out a community project. It gives them a real sense of pride and achievement to see what a positive difference they’ve made.
“We offer a wide range of apprenticeships and these projects provide an excellent opportunity to bring the apprentices together to interact with other trade groups.
“We’re really pleased with how the garden has turned out and delighted that the Livewell team are happy with the work. We hope that staff, visitors and patients alike benefit from the improved outdoor space.”
Some of the team from Babock joined patients and staff for a garden party on 7 August to celebrate the renovations.
