What was once an underused outdoor area is now a vibrant, welcoming garden, full of colour, creativity and purpose. Walking through the space today, you can see the care that went into every detail – from the freshly planted beds that will bloom in the coming months to the painted birdhouses, each one uniquely decorated and proudly displayed.
ew play features, including mud kitchens funded by TRU, bring an extra sense of excitement and creativity. Already, the children have been getting stuck in, experimenting, playing and exploring the space in their own way.
This garden will play an important role across many of our services here at Fresh Futures.
For our Kids, it will be a place of adventure and imagination. Whether it’s digging in the soil, creating games or using the mud kitchens, children will be able to learn through play in a safe, outdoor environment.
For families accessing our Stay & Play Crèche, the garden will offer a calm and engaging space where younger children can explore textures, colours and nature – supporting early development while enjoying fresh air and freedom.
elevate will also benefit from the space as somewhere to unwind, reflect and connect. Outdoor environments can have a powerful impact on mental wellbeing, offering a break from daily pressures and a chance to slow down. The garden will also be a welcoming space for others who use the building – from staff to visiting partners – giving everyone the opportunity to step outside, recharge and enjoy a calming environment.
This transformation would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our partners.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Cummins, whose funding made the transformation possible, including the addition of the swinging bench that will become a central feature of the space.
We are also incredibly grateful to TRU for funding the children’s play equipment, including the mud kitchens, which will bring so much joy, creativity and hands-on learning to the garden.
Their contributions have helped create a space that will benefit our community not just today, but for many months and years to come.
As we move into the warmer months, the garden will continue to grow and evolve. Flowers will bloom, plants will flourish, and, most importantly, the space will be filled with life – children playing, young people connecting, and families enjoying time together.
As the seasons change, the garden will also begin to provide fresh produce grown right on site. From strawberries, melons and pumpkins to herbs like mint and sage, the space will offer hands-on opportunities for children and young people to learn about growing their own food. Whether it’s planting seeds, watching something grow or tasting what they’ve helped nurture, this adds another layer of learning, creativity and connection to nature – bringing the garden to life in a truly meaningful way.
We can’t wait to see it in full use!
