Green-Fingered Irwin Mitchell Volunteers Put Their Landscaping Skills To The Test

By Suzanne Rutter

A team of green-fingered trainee solicitors from a leading Manchester law firm got their hands dirty to help create a beautiful sensory garden designed to help boost the rehabilitation of disabled children and adults.

The six-strong team of trainees from Irwin Mitchell joined forces to weed and plant flower beds and hanging baskets, as well as revamp old patio furniture for 3L Care Nursing.

The Cheshire based Community Interest Company provides nursing and social care for youngsters and adults with a range of complex health

Irwin Mitchell employees Elizabeth Wallace, Abigail Weston, Kate Cornelius, Ailsa Anderson, Alexandra Barrie and Ronnie Tan helped transform the garden in time for summer.

Jonathan Betts, a partner and serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office, said: “We have an extensive community programme at Irwin Mitchell and regularly coordinate volunteering projects for our staff. It’s a great way for us to give something back to the communities we work in and I know the team found it really rewarding helping 3L Care create their sensory garden.

“The organisation does some fantastic work with many of our young people, helping to provide them with a tailored package of care depending on their needs which really helps boost their rehabilitation. They also provide some much-needed respite for people who often have complex needs, from those with physical or learning difficulties to those with acquired brain injuries.

“We hope the young people, their carers, families and staff at 3L Care really enjoy their new sensory garden and we will look forward to working with them again in future.”

The specially-adapted Winsford homes at 3L Care offer a safe environment staffed by professional nurses and carers 24-hours a day. The organisation’s facilities include beds for respite and short breaks or full residential care, a sensory room, a cinema room and swimming pool for water therapies plus day care services.

Specialist physiotherapy and aromatherapy sessions are available and people are encouraged to take part in social activities, such as arts and crafts, events in the community and special cinema screenings.

Richard Proudlove, a director at 3L Care, said: “Our focus is on creating a homely, fun and engaging environment in which people can receive the highest quality of care. Though we are not a substitute for family life, we provide a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment.

“But without the help of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers like the team at Irwin Mitchell it would not have been possible to create our sensory garden so quickly into a place where people can grow their own herbs and vegetables and go to relax as part of their therapy. They did a fantastic job and it looks really beautiful.

“I’m sure it will be somewhere young people, and their families and carers can really enjoy, particularly during the summer when we are looking forward to seeing it in full bloom.”