Project Impact Assessments

Impact assessments are important tools we use to evaluate our events. We conduct these assessments after each event to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and create a positive atmosphere for everyone, they help us to understand what went well and what could be improved. By gathering feedback from residents, we can learn about their experiences and make sure that future events are even more beneficial and inclusive for all residents.

When we conduct an impact assessment, we examine details like who is involved, as well as the timing and scale of the event. We gather feedback from residents through surveys and community meetings to understand their thoughts and any concerns. This helps us identify both the positive impact as well as any challenges we need to address.

Additionally, we consider sustainability by looking for ways to minimize waste, use eco-friendly materials, and promote responsible practices during events. By gathering this information, we can make informed decisions that ensure our events are enjoyable for everyone while also supporting a sustainable future.

If you would like to get involved in community events or plan an event in your area, please contact residentengagement@seh.southend.gov.uk

You can see some of our impact assessments for events and projects below.

Slow Cooking Course Impact Assessment

Team and Lead Officer – Resident Engagement Project – Sarah Gallagher

Name of project/event – Slow Cooker Cooking Course for families living in Temporary Accommodation

Date of Project/event –     5-week course commencement May till June 24              

Section 1. Description of Project

The Slow Cooker cooking course aims to provide residents living in temporary accommodation with essential cooking skills, promote healthy eating, and enhance community engagement. The course will focus on teaching residents how to prepare nutritious meals using slow cookers, which are user-friendly and energy efficient.

A five-week participatory cookery course for residents living at Chaucer House. The sessions will deliver cookery skills and slow cooker techniques, ingredients and equipment provided to al residents. Information given using a slow cooker; batch cooking and freezing; healthy eating and seasonal cookery and meal planningand budgeting.

Slow cookers were gifted to all residents including a slow cooker cookery book.

Section 2. Intended aims of projects under each of Business Plan Headings

  1. Improving the customer experience (does the project encourage wider resident engagement, improve resident satisfaction, make services more accessible or other?)
    • Residents will learn how to cook healthy meals, which boosts their confidence and independence in the kitchen.
    • By focusing on nutritious meals, residents can improve their overall health and well-being.
    • The course will bring residents together, encouraging friendships and sense of belonging with the community.
    • Slow cookers are easy to use, making cooking more accessible for everyone, regardless of their cooking experience.
    • Learning to prepare meals at home can save money, making it easier for residents to manage their budgets.
    • The course creates a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, enhancing resident satisfaction.
    • Cooking together creates shared experiences, which can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  2. Improving Our Organisation (does the project improve our customer service culture, engagement between staff and residents, improve well-being?)
    • By taking part in the course, staff and residents will interact more, building trust and stronger relationships.
    • Staff will be seen as supporting residents in their learning which fosters a positive service culture.
    • Teaching residents to cooks helps them more capable and independent, boosting self-confidence and overall wellbeing.
    • The course encourages residents to connect with one another and with staff creating a sense of community.
    • As residents gain skill and confidence, they are likely to feel more satisfied with the services we provide leading to better feedback.
    • The course helps create a friendlier, more supportive atmosphere where residents feel valued and connected which enhances wellbeing.
  3. Meeting our governance responsibilities (does the project enable residents to participate or contribute towards how SEH is governed and managed)
    • By learning new skills and gaining confidence, residents may feel more empowered to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions regarding their community.
    • The project is a great opportunity to gather feedback and for residents to share their experiences and suggestions which SEH can use to improve services.
    • The course is an opportunity for residents to build connections and they may be more likely to engage in other community projects, including attending meetings or being part of a focus group etc.
    • The project helps residents feel more involved and connected giving them a stronger voice in how their community is managed?
  4. Innovating commercially (does the project help us deliver value for money, get more from our existing budgets/services)
    • As this project was funded by One Love Project, it allows residents to gain cooking skills without additional cost to SEH.
    • Teaching residents to cook can help then use ingredients more efficiently, reducing food waste and saving money in the long run.
    • By promoting nutritious cooking, the project may lead to residents being more health conscious and proactive about their nutrition which leads to overall better health outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.
    • The cooking course encourages residents to get involved which can lead to more resident led initiatives that would require less funding.
    • The project provides valuable skills and benefits to residents at no extra cost, helping SEH make most of its budgets and resources.
  5. Developing Sustainable Communities (does the project help tenants acquire skills, life opportunities, improve their economic situation, contribute towards cost-of-living issues, contribute towards green/sustainability agenda, engage with hidden communities)
    • The course teaches cooking skills, which can lead to better meal preparation and healthier eating habits.
    • By learning to cook and potentially gaining other skills, residents may become more confident and open to job opportunities in the food industry or hospitality area.
    • Cooking at home is cheaper than take aways or eating out, helping residents to save money.
    • By teaching residents to prepare affordable meals, the project helps them manage their budgets better during tough economic times.
    • The course promotes using ingredients wisely, reducing food waste, and encouraging healthier food choices, all which support sustainability.
    • The project reaches out to residents who may feel left out or isolated, helping with connect with the others and become more involved in the community.

Section 3. Breakdown of Costs

Breakdown of Costs

Brief description of items

Purchase price

Saving

Slow cookers @ £25.00 x 8

£200.00

 

Food per week @ £40 x 5-week course

£200.00

 

Tutor @ £220 x 5 weeks

£1,100.00

£1,100.00

Breakdown of Time

Breakdown of Time

Staff/volunteer time description

Time

Cost value

Meetings with residents to discuss the project including admin and promotion

6 hours x 2 staff member

£249.00

Section 4. Actual Outcomes

Link into business plan headings and whether intended aims have been achieved. Any unintended pros or cons.

  • Improving the customer experience
  • Improving our organisation
  • Meeting our governance responsibilities
  • Innovating commercially
  • Developing sustainable communities

The project has made residents happier by providing enjoyable cooking classes and helping them gain new skills. There have been several requests to have another cooking course due to the excellent feedback from residents taking part. Increased satisfaction and engagement with residents.

Small class and funding for only one course, reliant on residents attending.

The course shows SEH commitment to resident's wellbeing. Positive feedback helps SEH identify what is working well and improves our reputation. As this was funded by One Love Project the success of the project helps with better partnership working.

Ensuring that food safety guidelines are followed as SEH is responsible for residents' wellbeing when participating in this course.

The project encourages resident involvement and improves trust between staff and residents.

The course opens possibilities to job opportunities.

The project promotes healthy eating and reduces food waste contributing to sustainability goals. Encourages residents to make healthier choices and more environmentally conscious. The course has successfully engaged with residents who may feel isolated living in temporary accommodation and help them connect with others.

Section 5. Quotes from participants

Thanks for giving us your time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our Monday cooking sessions. We’ve gained not only knowledge of cooking but have gained friendship with each other and it’s given us something to do on a Monday morning. Really enjoyed it.

I loved the beans with chipotle chilli. Banging. I’ll definitely be making that again.

The apple crumble was delish. Really nice to leave it on all day and have a treat for after dinner.

I liked the chicken curry. Really tasty. I’ll adapt it to my taste next time I make it and add a bit more chili.

My favourite was the honey and chicken thighs. Lovely, the kids loved it. Very simple and cheap to make.

I also really liked the black bean chili. The chipotle chilli paste made all the difference and a little goes a long way.

It’s easy it is to cook for two days in a row using the slow cooker. It’s more economical that way and I spend less time cooking.

I made up my own recipe with some veggies I had. I’ve never used a slow cooker before and it’s easy.

Using my slow cooker is cheaper and I know what I’m eating because I made it.

It’s been good fun, and I’ve looked forward to coming to the sessions. I’ve also learnt a lot too and it’s good to get out of my flat.

The course gives you ideas that you can work from to make your own things to your taste.

Even though I’m a good cook and I’ve used a slow cooker before I’m still learning lots and I’ve really enjoyed the course.

Slow cooking is no effort needed cooking.

The chicken was really lovely. The meat fell from the bone. I’m glad I tried it.

I’ve enjoyed the classes, it’s a good thing to look forward and I’ve learnt a lot. I’m going to give the slow cooker a go, It’s so easy

Section 6. How has this project involved residents to help shape services?

Residents provide input on what types of recipes they wanted to learn ensuring that the course aligns with their preferences and cultures. After each session, residents are asked for their opinions on what worked well and what could be improved upon.

Residents asked staff to change the terminology used to refer to ‘hostels’, suggesting the term ‘temporary accommodation’ instead. This change was made to reduce the stigma associated with the word ‘hostel’. To ensure that all colleagues are aware of this important change, it was included in the staff brief and mentioned in weekly bulletin. This helps create a consistent understanding and reinforces the organisations commitment to responding to residents’ concerns.

A woman is showing off the food she has made residents cooking food made on the course

Project 49 Impact Assessment

Team and Lead Officer – Resident Engagement Team, Laila Kricha

Name of project/event – Project/Kitchen 49

Date of Project/event – Ongoing 

Section 1. Description of Project

The Project 49 initiatives are fantastic community projects where individuals with learning disabilities contribute their talents and skills to enhance local sheltered schemes. In Kitchen 49, participants prepare and serve delicious lunches for residents, offering nutritious meals while fostering a warm and inclusive environment. This not only provides valuable vocational experience for the participants but also creates opportunities for social interaction between residents and project members, strengthening community ties.

Meanwhile, Project 49 focuses on creative expression and beautifying communal spaces through mural painting. Participants collaborate with residents to design and paint vibrant murals that reflect the spirit of the community. These colourful artworks brighten up the shared areas, creating welcoming and uplifting spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, Project 49 contribute to the communal gardens, where participants work on gardening projects. This includes growing plants, vegetables, and flowers that enhance the outdoor areas, creating peaceful, green spaces for residents to enjoy. This hands-on involvement in garden spaces fosters a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature, while further strengthening the community bonds. Together, these projects demonstrate the power of community involvement, creativity, and shared purpose.

Section 2. Intended aims of projects under each of Business Plan Headings

1. Improving the customer experience (does the project encourage wider resident engagement, improve resident satisfaction, make services more accessible or other?)

Improving the customer experience through building active resident engagement & improving resident satisfaction with their communal areas.

Through these projects, residents are provided with a healthy lunch, opportunities to increase their social circles and learn new skills in gardening, cooking and creative expression. 

 

 

2. Improving Our Organisation (does the project improve our customer service culture, engagement between staff and residents, improve well-being?)

A member of staff from the Resident Engagement Team will often attend, building relationships between staff and those residents that attend.

 

3. Meeting our governance responsibilities (does the project enable residents to participate or contribute towards how SEH is governed and managed)

N/A

4. Innovating commercially (does the project help us deliver value for money, get more out of our existing budgets/services)

N/A — no cost to SEH 

5. Developing Sustainable Communities (does the project help tenants acquire skills, life opportunities, improve their economic situation, contribute towards cost-of-living issues, contribute towards green/sustainability agenda, engage with hidden communities)

Developing sustainable communities through supporting tenants through difficult periods and building a brighter future for our communities. These projects encourage social interaction within the sheltered communities and strengthen ties with the wider community.

Social isolation and loneliness can have significant negative impacts on individuals, affecting both their mental and physical health. Addressing social isolation is essential for promoting overall well-being and fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

 

 

Section 3. Breakdown of Costs

Breakdown of Costs

Brief description of items

Purchase price

Saving

Projects funded by Project 49 as part of their community work- no cost to SEH

£0

 

 

Breakdown of Time

Breakdown of Time

Staff/volunteer time description

Time

Cost value

Staff attendance

2 hours x 1 staff member

£33 per month

Section 4. Actual Outcomes

Link into business plan headings and whether intended aims have been achieved. Any unintended pros or cons.

  • Improving the customer experience
  • Improving our organisation
  • Meeting our governance responsibilities
  • Innovating commercially
  • Developing sustainable communities

Project 49 have made significant contributions to our sheltered schemes, not only enhancing the customer experience but encouraging residents to be more involved in their community. Since the start of the project, we have engaged with over 300 residents across various Sheltered Housing schemes.

By painting vibrant murals and cooking meals for residents, they foster a sense of community, bringing people together and brightening communal spaces. These initiatives help improve the organisation by demonstrating inclusivity and social responsibility, aligning with governance commitments to support vulnerable groups- in this case, those with learning disabilities, mobility difficulties and older residents. Additionally, such creative and practical involvement showcases commercial innovation, as it offers a unique, value-added service while developing more sustainable, cohesive communities that thrive on mutual support and collaboration.

Project 49 has already completed art murals at nine of our schemes and will continue working through the rest until all schemes are adorned with their vibrant creations. These artworks were as a result of residents being surveyed and involved in the designing of the murals.

Over the past 2 years, Project 49 have regularly attended four of our schemes to cook meals on a bi-weekly basis. This has included themed meals and events around holidays such as Christmas and Easter dinners. For some residents, this has been their only opportunity to celebrate the holidays as they suffer from mobility issues and unable to travel outside of the scheme they live in. This evidences just how important these interactions with Project 49 and other residents are.

The gardening projects began in our schemes and temporary accommodation, but grew and expanded out into the wider community, supporting one of our community gardens in an area of general needs properties. Through the gardening projects, some residents have continued to grow their own food such as tomatoes, carrots, strawberries etc. This contributes to lower grocery bills for residents during a cost-of-living crisis, as well as improving the biodiversity on their doorstep which contributes of a more sustainable environment and community.

When a member of staff has been present, residents have been asked that months ‘killer question’, which we use to help shape our services. For example, updating our Pet Policy, the way we design our Insight magazine, our expectations of repairs services. All of which have been reviewed following resident input through killer questions. By collaborating with Project 49, SEH has gained additional opportunities to engage with residents who may not otherwise participate in traditional consultation methods.

As mentioned above, SEH have not had to pay for this service, Project 49 have been able to provide their services to us free of charge. Residents are asked to contribute towards the cost of ingredients for the homecooked dinners, but no costs have been incurred by residents for the art murals and gardening projects. As you can see in the breakdown above, a member of staff attended one of these sessions at least once a month to begin with, which is the only cost SEH has had to cover. However, residents have since built relationships with the individuals that visit their scheme on a regular basis and have taken ownership allowing them into the building with a member of staff needing to be present. Residents have also on occasions surprised those from Project 49 with gifts such as Easter eggs and new cooking equipment. This goes to show how well the groups have mixed and built up a relationship.

Section 5. Quotes from participants

“We truly appreciate our bi-weekly visits from Project 49. Project 49 enlighten us at Keats House, with their witty sense of humour and loving nature's. The meals provided, are all round enjoyed and we look forward to it each time it comes round. Thankyou Project 49, from Keats House.”- Resident at Keats House

“Since they first come go Keats House it has been a pleasure to have them. They are very professional from start to finish. Always leave the place clean and tidy. Food is always good. What more could you ask for.” - Resident at Keats House

“The murals make the place feel so much brighter, and I really enjoyed watching everyone get stuck in.”- Resident at Crouchmans

 

 group christmas dinnereating lunch togetherProject 49 members with their mural

Digital Project Impact Assessment

Team and Lead Officer – Resident Engagement Team, Sue Rickard

Name of project/event – Digital Project Training  

Date of Project/event – Ongoing 

Section 1. Description of Project

The Digital Inclusion project was launched in 2020 and has since been helping residents in Sheltered Housing to get online. The aim of this project is to help tenants to understand the benefits of technology and enable them to focus on the changes it could bring to the day to day lives. 

We have Digital Ambassadors who are resident volunteers who can provide 1-2-1 sessions whether it be on Chromebook device provided by SEH or their own device.

Digital Inclusion Project | South Essex Homes

Chromebooks are issued to residents who would like computer training but have no device for six months, this is usually extended to support tenants. We are holding Coffee mornings at all schemes to discuss the digital project in more detail and from there anyone who needs computer training is identified.

Supporting tenants to get online can make such a difference, it may only be requesting medication or delivery of shopping however this increases confidence and independence.

Section 2. Intended aims of projects under each of Business Plan Headings

1. Improving the customer experience (does the project encourage wider resident engagement, improve resident satisfaction, make services more accessible or other?)

Improving the customer experience through building active resident engagement & making our services and information accessible to a wider resident population.

Increased ease for residents to access information and less dependency on services.

2. Improving Our Organisation (does the project improve our customer service culture, engagement between staff and residents, improve well-being?)

N/A

3. Meeting our governance responsibilities (does the project enable residents to participate or contribute towards how SEH is governed and managed)

Meeting our governance responsibilities through reducing residents’ cost of living, it is widely documented that residents who are digitally excluded are more likely to be in poverty as a result, have reduced employment opportunities and unable to access support/benefit services.

4. Innovating commercially (does the project help us deliver value for money, get more out of our existing budgets/services)

N/A

5. Developing Sustainable Communities (does the project help tenants acquire skills, life opportunities, improve their economic situation, contribute towards cost-of-living issues, contribute towards green/sustainability agenda, engage with hidden communities)

Developing sustainable communities through helping to sustain tenancies & build a brighter future for our communities. Residents who are digitally included have greater opportunities to engage with a range of services, better employment opportunities and are less socially isolated. 

This project links in with Southend 2050 Vision ‘Connected and Smart’

Section 3. Breakdown of Costs

Breakdown of Costs

Brief description of items

Purchase price

Saving

Chromebooks funded

£0

 

 

Breakdown of Time

Breakdown of time

Staff/volunteer time description

Time

Cost value

Staff member having meeting with Digital Ambassadors

1 hour per month x 1 staff member = 12 hours per year

£170 per year

Staff member booking in training with residents

1 hours a month x 1 staff member = 12 hours per year

£170 per year

 

Staff member completing forms and dropping off Chromebooks

1 hour per month x 1 staff member = 12 hours per year

£170 per year

 

Digital Ambassadors training residents

1 hour per week x 2 Digital Ambassadors = 48 hours per year

£657.60 per year

Digital Ambassadors attending catch ups

1 hour per month x 2 Digital Ambassadors = 12 hours per year

£164.40 per year

 

Section 4. Actual Outcomes

Link into business plan headings and whether intended aims have been achieved. Any unintended pros or cons.

  • Improving the customer experience
  • Improving our organisation
  • Meeting our governance responsibilities
  • Innovating commercially
  • Developing sustainable communities

Since the start of the project, we have engaged with 50 residents across various Sheltered Housing schemes.

After receiving digital training, residents have shared that they are now able to perform essential online tasks, such as sending emails, reporting repairs via the South Essex Homes website, shopping online, booking doctor appointments, and even connecting with family members through Zoom.

One resident, who learnt to use a Chromebook, has since written his own poems. He now attends various social groups, where he reads his work.

All residents who completed the training expressed their satisfaction with the support they received from the Digital Ambassadors. They believe the project is highly beneficial, particularly for those who find it difficult to leave their homes.

Section 5. Quotes from participants

“The training I received was excellent and the skills learnt was good and well understanding with clear explanation.” - Resident at Nicholson House

“Thanks to my Digital Ambassador, I now send emails and have learnt all I could. She is very patient and a joy to work with!” - Resident at Centurion Close

“My Digital Ambassador was a very patient and understanding tutor, and was very good at explaining all to me, I am very grateful for all her teaching.” - Resident at Centurion Close

“I really enjoyed my training on the Chromebook, I have now gone on to write poetry and attend many social groups where I read them out” – Resident at Keats House

“My Digital Ambassador was very patient and understanding, I enjoyed my training very much” – Resident at Keats House

 

Section 6. How has this project involved residents to help shape services?

From the digital project our Digital Ambassadors are helping our communications team develop and test a new resident portal which will enable residents to log in to view their South Essex Homes account details, rent balance and repairs history online.

Garden in Bloom Impact Assessment

Team and Lead Officer – Resident Engagement Team, Sue Rickard

Name of project/event – Gardens in Bloom Competition

Date of Project/event – June, July & August 2024

 

Section 1. Description of Project

The Gardens in Bloom competition was reintroduced in 2024, it was open to all residents and leaseholders of South Essex Homes, including children.

Young participants had the opportunity to grow the tallest sunflower or cultivate their own vegetable plot, fostering a love of gardening from an early age.

The competition was judged by the Resident Scrutiny Forum, ensuring that the winners were selected with care and consideration.

 

Section 2. Intended aims of projects under each of Business Plan Heading

1. Improving the customer experience (does the project encourage wider resident engagement, improve resident satisfaction, make services more accessible or other?)

The competition is open to all South Essex Homes residents, with the aim of:

  • Encouraging residents to maintain their gardens and make the most of their outdoor spaces.
  • Inspiring Sheltered scheme residents to work together in caring for their communal gardens.
  • Engaging young children by offering them a dedicated part of the competition, helping them learn about growing plants and vegetables.
  • Promoting the enjoyment of growing vegetables from scratch and learning how to cook them.

To ensure as many residents as possible were aware of the competition, it was advertised in Insight, shared on social media, and displayed on noticeboards where possible.

 

2. Improving Our Organisation (does the project improve our customer service culture, engagement between staff and residents, improve well-being?)

The Garden in Bloom competition has had a positive impact on residents' well-being, both physically and mentally. It is wonderful to see so many residents taking pride in their gardens, creating beautiful and welcoming spaces.

The competition also provided a valuable opportunity for staff to connect with residents who are not always actively engaged, helping to strengthen relationships and foster a greater sense of community.

Through creativity, sustainability, and shared effort, the competition continues to enhance both the environment and the lives of those who take part.

 

3. Meeting our governance responsibilities (does the project enable residents to participate or contribute towards how SEH is governed and managed)

N/A

 

4. Innovating commercially (does the project help us deliver value for money, get more out of our existing budgets/services)

Yes, Residents in Sheltered schemes are actively maintaining their communal gardens, which not only enhances their shared spaces but also supports the South Essex Homes Grounds Maintenance team in keeping the areas well cared for.

 

5. Developing Sustainable Communities (does the project help tenants acquire skills, life opportunities, improve their economic situation, contribute towards cost-of-living issues, contribute towards green/sustainability agenda, engage with hidden communities)

At one of the Sheltered schemes, residents have creatively repurposed old bricks to design beautiful rockery areas in their communal garden, adding both charm and character to their shared space.

Sustainability has also been a key focus, with residents using water butts in both general and communal gardens. This initiative not only reduces water usage but also makes gardening more environmentally and economically friendly.

Beyond enhancing their outdoor spaces, residents are also developing valuable new skills. Many have learned which plants are best suited to their gardens, while those growing their own vegetables have found it particularly beneficial given the rising cost of fresh produce in shops.

The Garden in Bloom competition has not only encouraged creativity and sustainability but also empowered residents with new knowledge and a greater sense of community.

 

Section 3. Breakdown of Costs 

Breakdown of Costs

Brief description of items

Purchase price

Saving

High Street Vouchers for awards

£310.00

 

Frames for Certificates

£19.99

 

 

Breakdown of Time

Breakdown of Time

Staff/volunteer time description

Time

Cost value

Staff time arranging to take pictures of gardens, setting up meeting with judging panel and sending letters to confirm awards and arranging time to deliver awards

2 hours

1 staff member x 2 hours = £33.00

Staff member taking pictures of gardens

2 hours

1 staff member x 2 hours = £33.00

Staff member delivering awards

2 hours

1 staff member x 2 hours = £33.00

 

 

Section 4. Actual Outcomes

Link into business plan headings and whether intended aims have been achieved. Any unintended pros or cons.

  • Improving the customer experience
  • Improving our organisation
  • Meeting our governance responsibilities
  • Innovating commercially
  • Developing sustainable communities

We were delighted to receive eight entries for this year’s gardening competition, especially as the event had only resumed in 2024. The categories included Best Front Garden, Best Back Garden, Best Vegetable Plot, and Best Communal Garden. Every resident who took part was awarded either a gold, silver, or bronze prize and received High Street vouchers to help them continue enhancing their outdoor spaces.

The competition has truly highlighted the dedication of residents who take great pride in their gardens, whether general or communal. Beyond recognising their efforts, the event has played a valuable role in fostering community spirit, particularly among Sheltered residents, by bringing them together and helping to reduce social isolation.

While no young residents entered the competition this year, we will focus on encouraging their participation for 2025, ensuring the next generation is inspired to take part. We will do this by working with Achieve Thrive Flourish and local youth organisations across Southend.

A particularly creative highlight was seen in one Sheltered scheme, where old bricks were repurposed to create beautiful rockery areas. These now serve as a lovely feature in the communal garden, providing a peaceful space for residents to enjoy during the warmer months.

We look forward to building on this success and seeing even more wonderful entries next year!

 

Section 5. Quotes from participants

The Garden in Bloom competition has not only showcased the dedication of our residents but also reinforced the joy and pride that gardening brings to the community. Many participants shared their enthusiasm for the event:

"I love my garden and am pleased to be able to enter it into the competition."

"Thank you for my award. My garden gives me lots of pride and keeps me going."

"I enjoy looking after the communal garden and providing fellow residents with a lovely area to sit and relax in."

"I won an award back in 2014 and am very glad the competition is back."

 

Section 6 . How has this project involved residents to help shape services?

The Garden in Bloom competition has had a positive impact on our community by: 

  • Inspiring residents to maintain their gardens and make the most of their outdoor spaces.
  • Encouraging collaboration among residents in Sheltered schemes, helping to reduce social isolation while enhancing their communal gardens.

This initiative has not only celebrated creativity and dedication but also strengthened community bonds, making our shared spaces more enjoyable for all.

Garden in bloom winner Garden in bloom image of winning garden