Doncaster care team’s plea for garden design help

They want to give a bare outside space a major make-over, so people who have lost loved ones can go and remember them and where local community groups can get together.

Flourish Enterprises – a non-for-profit community enterprise which is part of the NHS - is moving its Woodfield 24 Care Services staff into a new base called Cherry Tree Court, on Balby’s Tickhill Road Hospital site, and wants to transform the secluded garden area alongside.

To do this they are hoping local businesses will get behind them and donate items, or staff time to help with the project, but first they need a design to work to.

Flourish’s Laurie Smith said: “This will be the crucial first step in developing a vision for the garden, something we will be able to show to local businesses when appealing for their help with their project.

“We hope there is someone out there with the relevant design skills, who would be willing to help and maybe even act as a project manager to bring the design off the drawing board.

“Our 57-strong carer team support patients diagnosed with a terminal illness who want to die at home. This includes personal care, respite, night sits and emotional support, especially to family members who are coming to terms with their loved one’s diagnosis.

"The care is free and in the last 12 months we have supported 384 patients to achieve their final wish to remain at home.

“We are currently based in St Catherine’s House, which is no longer suitable due to the ever changing needs of the service we provide.

"Cherry Tree Court includes a much needed visitors’ room for bereaved family members. They often visit us to remember their loved ones as well as to acknowledge what difference the care from Woodfield 24 meant to them as a family.”

It’s hoped the memory garden will be a key feature of Woodfield 24 aftercare service when the team moves to its new base in a few months’ time.

If you can help phone Laurie Smith on 07966 992032.

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