Tenants and staff come together to enhance Aughrim Court.
Since June 2018 tenants at Aughrim Court, Kilkeel, have been working with community partners to improve the garden at the scheme and make it an amazing space for everyone. Staff from Choice and the tenants at Aughrim Court have worked with a number of partners and not for profit groups to make the most of their space and resources, including Newry Street Unite, Mourned stimulus , Mourne Grange, Jims youth group and others.
This week saw the culmination of their efforts with staff from Choice office pitching in to help and taking the opportunity to get away from their desks for a couple of hours and get their hands dirty,
With funding from Choice and a small grant from Live Here Love Here the space has been transformed and now includes a wildflower garden which has been designed to attract butterflies and bees with vibrant colours and scents. Another area has been named the Garden of Tranquillity - a quiet space to sit and reflect with a range of scented herbs and a water feature. Plans are currently underway to design a rockery to further enhance the garden.
Steve Camillare tenant at Aughrim Court-
“ The garden project helps everyone here. My doctor said it’s is a great idea and very therapeutic. It is not just the flowers that grow in the garden it is the friendships and feeling of belonging. There is a sense of pride and self worth for everyone who is involved. It is great to see everyone doing their bit and every day someone will bring visitors to the garden to have a look. We are all grateful for the chance to have a garden that helps make this our home”.
Joan Maginn tenant at Aughrim Court-
“Being part of the garden group has helped my mental health and given me a sense of purpose taking a lead role in the front garden and planning and designing our new gardens. “
Aughrim Court is a Choice sheltered living scheme, on Mountain Road in Kilkeel.
