The charity, SDASS, (Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services) supports the victims of domestic abuse in Wiltshire. Its purpose-built residential Refuge of 22 apartments, provides a safe and secure place for families fleeing their homes because of domestic violence. Each year an average of 60 families and 120 children can begin rebuilding their lives from this sanctuary.
A WGT grant was used to build a garden of raised beds in the neglected outdoor areas of the Refuge. Now residents, their children and the staff use the shared garden as a place for therapy, play, learning and growing.

A further grant was awarded to renovate the children’s area with raised beds, an arbour and garden building. This is due for completion by 2023 and will allow children to interact with the gardens in a hands-on way.

Chair, Nicky Alberry explains, “Since the garden was built, very rarely is it without someone playing or sitting in it and we have noticed an increasing engagement with the insect life, the vegetables and herbs.  Our staff are also using it as a calming place to take time out in.”

More information can be found on the SDASS gofundme page here.