Augusta House, Blaenau Gwent’s Learning Disability Respite Service at Victoria Park, has received an incredible garden makeover thanks to an outpouring of support from local organisations, schools and volunteers.
Kicking off early on a Monday morning, a determined team of enthusiastic volunteers arrived, ready to bring the vision to life. Armed with shovels and trowels, they divided into groups, each tasked with revamping different sections of the garden. Their mission was simple; to create a welcoming and stimulating space for residents and their families to enjoy.
The transformative project was made possible through generous contributions including fencing, compost, plants, planters, wind chimes, and other decorative touches, all aimed at creating a wonderful outdoor space for residents and their families to share. The project received enthusiastic support from 'Friends of Augusta’, British Gas, Pen-y-Cwm School pupils, St Mary’s RC Primary School and many committed Blaenau Gwent staff members, all eager to lend a hand.
Under the bright sunshine the garden was alive with activity as volunteers worked side by side to bring the space to life. British Gas supplied decorative metal panels while Able Touch Joinery of Tredegar donated planters and wind chimes. Friends of Augusta purchased a brand-new fence, which was put up by David Ingram. The Council’s Neighbourhood Services Team contributed with a truckload of compost and chippings from Silent Valley, where they house their sustainability green waste project, along with contributions from Supported Living residents and families of those who access respite—all adding to the community spirit of the event.
Adding an extra touch of inspiration, young gardeners from year 6 St Mary’s RC Primary School shared their recent success, having been shortlisted in a national competition for the best school garden. Their dedication to horticulture shines, and the Augusta House team wishes them the best in securing the top spot at the finals this summer.
All volunteers were provided with a buffet lunch and free bottled waters provided by the Augusta House staff.
Beyond benefiting residents, the revitalised garden is a haven for local wildlife, featuring insect hotels, solitary bee homes, and bird and bat boxes, generously donated by the Council’s Biodiversity Team to enrich the sensory garden experience.
With laughter, teamwork, and a true sense of community, Augusta House now has a thriving green space that will bring joy and connection to its residents and the wider community for years to come.
Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, Cllr Helen Cunningham, says:
"The Augusta House Gardening Project is a shining example of how community spirit and collaboration can create meaningful change. Seeing volunteers, local schools, and organisations come together to transform this space is truly inspiring. This garden will become a lasting legacy for residents to cherish and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make it happen."
Augusta House Service Manager Helen Beecham said:
"We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness, and community spirit shown by everyone who contributed to the Augusta House Gardening Project. Seeing volunteers, schools, and local organisations come together to create such a beautiful space has been incredibly uplifting. This garden will not only bring joy to our residents but will also serve as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved when people unite with a shared purpose. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this dream a reality!"
Cheryl and Suzanne from Friends of Augusta said:
“We couldn’t thank you all enough, it’s truly been overwhelming to see so many stepping forward to help us achieve the vision we set out for our garden. I think we have surpassed all expectation on how fantastic it’s turned out. It looks so vibrant and welcoming. We are blessed to have such thoughtful and generous people in our community.”
Pupils from St. Mary’s RC Primary School said:
“Thank you so much for letting us help you make the garden a more beautiful and joyful place. We enjoyed planting flowers, arranging the flower beds and pulling the weeds. We hope the garden continues blooming with kindness, colour and care.”
Ross Kirwan, Head of Nest, part of the Welsh Government Warm Homes Programme, says:
''We are delighted to have been able to provide support to Augusta House. At Nest, our staff take pride in local volunteering projects and our relationship with Blaenau Gwent Social Services team is a great partnership for us to enable these opportunities to continue. The sensory garden looks wonderful, well done to everyone who got involved.”
A full list of Volunteers:
Year 6 Pupils of St Marys RC Primary School, Brynmawr
James O’Connell & Pupils of Pen Y Cwm School 16+
Sam Jones - British Gas
Michelle Symonds – British Gas
Cheryl Jones - Friends of Augusta
Suzanne Cadwallader - Friends of Augusta
Rebecca Morris - BGCBC
Victoria Taylor - BGCBC
Dominic Dickson - BGCBC
Karen Smith - BGCBC
Ian Robbins - BGCBC
Sian Hughes - BGCBC
Paul Fry - BGCBC
Garrod Fry - BGCBC
Ian Thomas - BGCBC
Lee Jenkins - BGCBC
John Mewett - BGCBC Neighbourhood Services Team
Craig Blunsdon - BGCBC
Lisa Jones - BGCBC
Matthew Stent - BGCBC
Noel Chard – BGCBC
David Ingram - BGCBC
Nadine Morgan – BGCBC
Silent Valley Staff
Able Touch Carpentry & Joinery, Tredegar
Ken Sullivan
Thank you all so much!
