Community Payback At Care Home

Greater Manchester Community Payback projects cover a huge range of activities, but all address a need in the community, usually from groups or individuals who require help most.

One such project is being managed by Greater Manchester Community Payback and Novus at St George’s Care Home in Gorton, Manchester. The Victorian building is set in large gardens which are inaccessible and badly in need of care. The overgrown and unsightly grounds require a full programme of works, from grass cutting and debris removal to the creation of borders and the installation of furniture for residents to relax and enjoy the garden.

Ken Martin, Trainer with Novus, and his team are transforming the gardens surrounding the imposing building from an unloved, inaccessible place to a tranquil and inviting space for the home’s residents.

The ongoing project needs further funding to complete the landscaping, rid the area of Japanese knotweed and provide a seating area, but the will to complete the work is strong. Those working on the project want the elderly residents to enjoy their twilight years in a peaceful environment and are willing to work in all weathers to achieve this.

The Story

Ken identified St Georges Care Home as a worthy and viable project for his Community payback team.

Ken says: “This is a huge area and needs a major amount of work, but the team are up for it and have made a great start. This is hard labour in all weathers, but the lads want to do it to give the residents somewhere they can enjoy the outdoors.”

This project teaches offenders about seeing a job through, routine and getting the work done. They will also receive a qualification related to the work we are doing here. It all helps to reduce re-offending.