Garden Project Provides Safe Space for Southern Housing Residents

Volunteers at Old Johnson House Transform Garden

On the 27th of September, Axis volunteers worked in collaboration with volunteers from, our partner, Southern Housing and BJL Property Maintenance, our subcontractor, to tackle a garden transformation project.

Axis have been working on site at Old Johnson House to carry out void works and make the building a safe temporary accommodation for homeless families in Sittingbourne. The space has been sat empty with the accommodation reopening at the beginning of October.

The outside space was unfit for families moving into the accommodation with graffiti covering and unsafe seating and planters scattered. Southern Housing asked if Axis could help with creating a safer space suitable for the new families moving in and our volunteers stepped up!

Thanks to a generous financial sponsorship received by our partner, City Plumbing, the team got to work.

Members of our Axis team – including Nigel Blackshaw, Bradley Emms, and Lorrae Mannering – joined volunteers from BJL to remove graffiti, brighten up the space and remove rubbish, weeds, pallets and dangerous materials. Members of the Southern Housing executive team joined later to help with garden waste removal in the rain, whilst Axis volunteers were also on site building new playhouses for families.

Axis have generously donated new outdoor toys to help revitalise the space; alongside providing the paint, equipment, plants and hosing.

On the transformation project, Claire Sherlock, Partnership Officer at Southern Housing said ‘We wanted to say a huge thank you for all your hard work and support with the project at Old Johnson House. You have gone above and beyond what we ever expected and are truly grateful for everything you have done and achieved for us.’

She added ‘The giving something day went well despite the wind and rain a lot was achieved. The new residents that will be moving into Old Johnson House will have a lovely safe space to enjoy. Thank you again from the whole of the Partnership Team we are forever grateful.’

Thank you to all involved and well done team!