Residents at Hafan y Waun have welcomed new accessible garden furniture, designed and built by learners from Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training (HCT).
The wheelchair accessible planting and potting table, along with a garden bench featuring built-in planters, were created by students taking part in an alternative curriculum carpentry course.
Over a six-week period, learners worked alongside training advisors and Children & Young People Skills Mentors to design and build the pieces, focusing on meeting community needs while developing practical, hands-on skills.
To celebrate the donation, residents invited the learners for afternoon tea, where they came together to plant a range of spring bulbs including daffodils, hyacinths, violas and primroses. The event brought different generations together and highlighted the strong sense of community behind the project.
“It was great to see the local youngsters who had worked hard on their Ceredigion Training courses to build an accessible potting table and bench with planters,” said Dic Evans, a resident at Hafan y Waun. “They came to help us set them up and planted flowers with us under the supervision of their training advisor Martin and Mentor Lauren. Many plants were planted, and we look forward to seeing them grow to brighten up our summer.”
Learners involved in the project said the experience had a positive impact on their development.
Tarek Hemmings and Aled Mathews, who attend the carpentry classes at HCT, said: “We have enjoyed making the bench as a team and it has helped us with our communication skills and teamwork as a group.”
Joseph Walley added: “Building the planter benches has helped us develop our measuring and marking skills and improved our abilities using the drill.”
A council spokesperson said: “It’s brilliant to see HCT learners giving something back to their community while learning valuable skills and Hafan y Waun residents connecting together. Well done all involved”.
The new accessible table will now allow more residents to take part in gardening activities on site, providing both practical support and a lasting reminder of the collaborative effort behind the project.
The initiative was supported by Ceredigion County Council’s Age Friendly Grant and delivered in partnership with Lifelong Learning and Skills, the Engagement and Attainment Service, and the Direct Services Team.
