Islington garden for adults with learning disabilities shortlisted for two care awards

Created with local partners, our garden transformation for residents with sensory needs has been shortlisted at the Islington Dignity in Care Awards.

Published: 23/08/2023

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Barnsbury Park in Islington is home to seven adults with learning disabilities where they’re supported to live as independently as possible within the community and enjoy time with friends and family.  With ideas from residents on what they’d like to see in their garden, we worked with the onsite LDN London care team and landscaping specialists Bowles and Wyer and Turkington Martin to create a garden that’s accessible and fun for all. 

The garden transformation project was subsequently shortlisted in the ‘Heart of the Community’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution’ categories at this year’s Islington Dignity in Care Awards. 

We asked residents what they’d like in the garden and having fun was top of the list! We installed a new football goal, basketball hoop and trampoline – all of which are proving popular, bringing people together and encouraging residents outside. 

The garden supports residents’ sensory needs with an area laid with pebbles, a xylophone and a water play space. All great ways to boost residents’ mental and physical wellbeing and learn new skills.  

Having a combination of shared and quiet spaces was important so we created areas with different atmospheres. There’s a shady green seating corner, planters to grow vegetables and water feature to encourage wildlife.  

The award ceremony takes place at Islington Assembly Hall on 13 September.