More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A children's charity needs to raise £200,000 to transform its garden.
We Are Beams,which cares for disabled youngsters from across Kent and Medway, has launched its Plant a Smile appeal.
It wants to give the tired and run-down garden at its respite centre in Hextable, near Dartford, a complete make-over.
The young people who access Beam’s services will typically have one or more learning difficulty, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, autism or severe ADHD. It supports around 450 families across the county.
Beams' six-bed respite care unit, called Dragons Retreat, offers a place for youngsters up to the age of 19 to learn independence and social skills.
The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, would like to create a garden that is more suitable for the children.
Sadly, over time the garden has been neglected, much of the equipment is old or broken so now requires a complete transformation with new specialist equipment, levelling out and a good outside cover so it can be enjoyed whatever the weather.
The garden is used not only daily by the children who stay overnight in respite care but also by the after-school and holiday clubs plus family events.
A spokesman for the charity said: "The Plant a Smile Garden Appeal will help to transform this area into a fun inclusive environment for all the children regardless of their age or disability.
"Having a new purpose-built garden will provide huge both physical and mental health benefits such as reducing stress and helping children cope with frustration and anxiety.
"For the older children tending to the garden will improve motor skills, enhanced creativity, increased social skills and self-confidence."
For children like Trinity, the garden will make such a difference. Trinity is 11 and has a condition called Rett Syndrome, which is a rare genetic neurological disorder.
Trinity is non-verbal and unable to walk. She spends time at Dragon’s Retreat so that and her family can have a break from each other.
Trinity loves exploring the garden, playing on the swings and in the paddling pool.
Her disability means that it is difficult for her family to take her to public parks and having this garden will fully accessible equipment would provide a safe place for her and other children to enjoy.
It is hoped the new outdoor space will have different zones including a sensory garden with water features and edible plants and a fully accessible playground. Specialist equipment will include a sunken trampoline, wheelchair swing and nature table.
The design also includes a grow your own area where the children can gets hands-on helping to grow vegetables that will be used in the kitchen.
There will also be a calm zone to provide space for storytelling or quiet time and an undercover community area for activities, crafts and socialising.
In order to make the dream garden a reality, Beams need to raise £200,000, which will be in the form or grants, donations and fundraising projects.
The charity is hoping the community will join them to help hit the fundraising target.
You can support the appeal by visitingwww.wearebeams.org.uk/plant-a-smile or text PLANTASMILE to 70085 to donate £5.
The KM Group is committed to helping the community through the KM Charity team. For more information and to find out what other good causes you can get involved in click here.
