Breakaway House Garden Improvement Project – Phase 3
Slough Borough Council Children First Services identified the need to improve the outdoor space at Breakaway House to create a safer, more welcoming, and engaging environment for children. The garden had fallen into disrepair, with damaged fencing, overgrown vegetation, and limited opportunities for outdoor activities reducing its usability and appeal.
Project Objectives
The project aimed to:
- Enhance the outdoor environment for children and young people.
- Improve accessibility and usability of the garden space.
- Create opportunities for sensory engagement and outdoor learning.
- Encourage community involvement through partnership working.
Approach
Phase 3 of the Breakaway House garden improvement project began during challenging weather conditions. Due to persistent rain, planned shed-painting activities were postponed, resulting in the project being split into two stages: Phase 3a and Phase 3b.
Phase 3a – Creation of a Sensory Garden
Phase 3a focused on transforming an existing raised bed into a sensory garden. Working in partnership with the Slough Business Community Partnership, volunteers from Mars supported the project despite the adverse weather conditions.
Volunteers worked alongside staff to:
- Remove weeds and overgrown vegetation.
- Replenish and improve the soil quality within the raised bed.
- Replant the area with a variety of sensory plants selected for their vibrant colours, distinctive fragrances, and tactile foliage.
The enhanced planting area provides greater space for plants to establish and flourish while creating an attractive feature within the garden.
Outcomes
The completed sensory garden has significantly improved the appearance of the outdoor space and provides children with opportunities to engage multiple senses, including sight, touch, and smell. The project has helped create a more stimulating and therapeutic environment, supporting wellbeing and outdoor engagement.
The successful collaboration between Children First Services, the Slough Business Community Partnership, and Mars volunteers also demonstrated the value of community partnerships in delivering meaningful improvements to local facilities.
Next Steps
Phase 3b will continue the wider garden improvement programme, including the postponed shed refurbishment and additional enhancements to further improve the outdoor environment at Breakaway House.
