New outdoor garden unveiled at Lisburn Assessment and Resource Centre
A newly refurbished outdoor garden at Lisburn’s Assessment and Resource Centre (LARC), designed to support adults with learning disabilities, was officially opened by the Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Alderman Amanda Grehan.
The welcoming outdoor space has been transformed into a colourful and accessible environment where Service Users can relax, socialise and enjoy activities outdoors.
As the weather improves, staff hope the garden will become a lively hub where everyone can spend time together..
As Spring sunshine bathed the garden, LARC, Senior Day Care Worker, Mandy Glasgow explained how the refurbishment was made possible by the work and fundraising efforts of Sensability, a charity group set up to support adults with learning disabilities who attend LARC, Dairy Farm Services and Seymour Hill Horticultural Unit.
Mandy shared how delighted she and staff were to welcome the Mayor to the Centre.
“Our new space now features a wheelchair accessible swing, picnic tables, flower planters and a bright, durable ground covering,” she said.
"The Service Users and staff are absolutely delighted with this space and we are looking forward to making lots of use of it as the weather improves.”
Joyce Belshaw attends LARC three days a week and added how much she enjoyed the Mayoral visit and outdoor refurbishments.
“I like it very much and I am looking forward to sitting out here in the summertime,” she said.
LARC Support Worker, Amanda Irvine shared how those who attend the Centre will be able to utilise the outdoor area for a place to “come out and sit for some quiet time, especially when the nice weather arrives.”
She added: “This space will really benefit our Service Users and give them the chance to get out into the fresh air.
"It is a lovely place to just come out and sit and chill. We have purpose-built tables, comfy bean bags and vegetable trucks with herbs planted by our Service Users.
"We really hope that over the Summer this will be an area that is full all the time.”
Lisburn Assessment & Resource Centre (LARC) provides daycare support for adults with Learning Disabilities Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 8pm, after 3.30pm an evening respite service is provided for service users who require additional support to enable them to remain living at home.