Sensory garden created by Thetford young people

A sensory garden with numerous special features has been built for vulnerable Thetford residents by a group of young people.

Carers and residents at Fryer’s Walk Care Home, which looks after those with physical and mental needs, can now take advantage of the sensory garden thanks to the Princes Trust Team Programme.

Eleven young people between 16 and 25 raised �670 by bag packing at a local supermarket which they spent on creating the garden over the space of a week.

This included plants for each of the five senses, refurbishing a gazebo, fence and sheds, creating wheelchair accessible raised flower beds, wind chimes and even day glow hand prints on some of the rails.

Assistant team leader with the Princes Trust, Chantelle Williams, said the young people had learnt teamwork, tolerance, communication and listening skills. “They’ve found it very rewarding and it’s a massive achievement,” she said. “They all feel really good about what they’ve done - they feel they’ve helped the community.”

The Princes Trust Team Programme is a 12-week course designed to encourage young people back into work, training or education.

The garden was handed to the care home in a ceremony including the mayor of Thetford, Derek Mortimer.