Northfleet care home, Wombwell Hall, is taking on its very own DIY SOS community project, in memory of a late resident, Neville Tompkins.
Following a donation from Neville’s family, the Wombwell team lodged an ambitious plan to create a community garden of reflection and remembrance within the tree-canopied surroundings of the 120-bed care home.
The community garden will be open to everyone, giving Wombwell residents, their loved ones, staff and the local community a peaceful place to reflect and enjoy the outdoors.
To create the garden in just one week, Wombwell is bringing together staff, volunteers and the local community. Many organisation shave already committed materials, including plants, pots, wood and heavy machinery, as well as labour to turn this dream garden into a reality.
With work due to start on Monday 16th and a garden party and ribbon cutting ceremony planned for Sunday 22nd, Wombwell has less than one week to create this peaceful green space. As such, the team is looking for volunteers who can spare an hour or two to help with the project.
Volunteers will be helping with all elements of the garden, from planting and pruning to painting and potting. Volunteers of any ability are welcome anytime between 9am – 4pm Monday to Saturday, to lend a hand, and lunch will be provided.
Richard Lawson, General Manager at Wombwell Hall, explained:
“With the generous donation from Neville’s family, we wanted to create a space that could be enjoyed by our residents and their families, but also by the wider community.
“Wombwell Hall has been a part of the local community since 1471, taking the form of a hospital, school and now a care home for those who need nursing, dementia and palliative care.
“We wanted to create a place where Wombwell’s rich history would live on. The garden of reflection and remembrance is here for all to enjoy, whether that’s those whose loved ones have been cared for here, students who remember Wombwell from their school days, or local community groups who we hope will make new memories here.
“But we need volunteers to make it happen, so please, if you can spare any time during the week of the 16th do come down and help.”
Wombwell Hall supports 210 residents every year, offering nursing, dementia and palliative care. This garden marks the first in a number of new community initiatives slated for the next 12 months as Wombwell expands its day care and specialist care services offering.
To find out more about Wombwell Hall, visit https://www.belmonthealthcare.co.uk/our-homes/wombwell-hall, and if you have any specific questions about the garden project and how you can help, please reach out to Richard directly at richard.lawson@belmonthealthcare.co.uk.
