Perth wellbeing hub The Walled Garden has a different look after work was carried out to build a new shop and art studio.
Builders from Leeds visited the PKAVS-run site at Bridgend and quickly assembled a new shop.
The smart new retail space is part of The Walled Garden on Muirhall Road’s ‘Room for Recovery’ project.
A new art studio is now situated at the top of the garden in place of an old portacabin.
This now means the creative activities are taking place in the centre of the garden instead of being down the bottom.
The Walled Garden’s ‘Room for Recovery’ project addressing spaces within the site has four phases. Delivery of the bright new shop and studio completes phase one.
This initial phase focused on the creative wellbeing department with the aim to establish a new creative art studio and a shop/exhibition space.
Hub manager Laura Harris explained: “Our clients and volunteers now have greater access to a safe, warm and comfortable facility in which they can express their creative side; benefiting from the therapeutic nature of the work.
“Thanks to local donations and seven key funders, including PKC Common Good Fund, The Gannochy Trust, The National Lottery Awards for All, Perth Guildry, The Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust, The Thomson Charitable Trust, and Forteviot Charitable Trust, we raised a total of £100,378.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this project so far.”
The Walled Garden has secured funds for phase two from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is awaiting confirmation of funding for phase three, an additional activity room/social space.
The final phase will be a new staff office.
“COVID-19 has shone a brighter light on workplace wellbeing,” said hub manager Sarah Oelmez. “It has forced us to prioritise the relationships our staff have with their workspace and explore what we can do to make everyone feel safe, respected, and valued.
“A workplace culture that fosters high staff morale is likely to retain staff for longer. This is particularly important for our wellbeing approaches, where relationship based practice is at the heart of our work. Staff retainment is key in maintaining quality relationships with our clients, partners and investors.
“If anyone would like to donate funds towards our staff office contact me, Sarah Oelmez, on 01738 631777.
“Also, if people want to find out more they can like and share our Facebook page @pkavswalledgarden.”
