Thanks to the efforts of service users from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Adult Services Social Firm, the pupils of St John’s Primary School will be able to enjoy a revitalised sensory garden all year round.

The Social Firm, in partnership with Manx Mencap, was commissioned to refurbish the primary school’s sensory garden in time for the start of the new academic year. It was officially opened under cloudy but dry skies this morning.

Cath Hayhow, Director of Adult Services explained: “It is important for adults with learning and physical disabilities to have the opportunity to work, improving their physical, emotional and mental health.

“The Social Firm includes two workplaces, Greenfield Garden Centre and Eastcliffe Resource Industrial Centre (ERIC), where adults with a range of educational, learning and physical needs can work in a supportive environment, with the aim of gaining employment in the wider community in the future.

“Creating the school garden enabled these adults to practice their gardening skills during the summer months and work together in the community.”

Miss Hannah Cowell, who works at Greenfield Garden Centre, said: “I enjoyed being outdoors in the sunshine helping with the garden and doing my bit for the school children.”

Headteacher of St John’s Primary School, Tracy Willoughby said: “The improved garden provides a safe, attractive, interactive space for the children to learn and develop. The children have been exploring the topic autumn whilst in the garden this term.

“Our thanks go to the Social Firm for their excellent work, to Manx Mencap for the donation of the materials and plants from the Greenfield Garden Centre and ERIC workshop, and to the Southern Amenity Site for the compost.”