Kirkside House and Lodge, a specialist residential care service in Kirkstall, Leeds, has unveiled a redesigned outdoor sensory garden to enhance the wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. The Cygnet Social Care facility, located on Spen Lane, created the interactive space as part of a wider initiative to provide residents with a calming environment away from everyday distractions.
Garden Features and Design
The sensory garden includes a range of interactive elements designed to engage the senses. Vibrant objects, a spinner wall, musical instruments, and a solar-powered water feature are among the key attractions. The water feature, powered by renewable energy, has quickly become a popular spot for residents to sit and relax. Surrounded by a wooded area, the garden offers a natural setting where residents can listen to wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
Resident Involvement in Creation
The garden was developed over several months by a dedicated team. Roxanne Mace, gardening team lead at the service, worked alongside garden assistant Craig Crosby McKenna to bring the project to life. Residents played an active role throughout the process, participating in painting, decorating, and assembling key features. This hands-on involvement helped develop practical teamwork skills and provided insights into community work.
Roxanne Mace said: 'Our aim was to create a space where the individuals we support can come to relax and self-regulate using sensory features. It's also a space for them to have fun. Spending time outdoors is good for people's mental health and their general wellbeing. Our lovely sensory garden offers the chance to do that and has lots of interactive things to do.'
Benefits for Wellbeing
The garden forms part of a larger project run by the care service, which focuses on outdoor activities and skill-building. According to Roxanne, having a dedicated outdoor space allows residents to step away from other distractions and connect with nature. 'As the garden is in a wooded area, our residents can enjoy their time with nature, listen to the wildlife and use the sensory items,' she added. The facility supports adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, and the garden provides a therapeutic outlet that promotes relaxation and sensory stimulation.
Interactive sensory gardens are widely recognized for their benefits in care settings, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage physical activity. At Kirkside House and Lodge, the garden has already become a valued asset for residents and staff alike. The project underscores the commitment of Cygnet Social Care to enhancing quality of life through innovative, person-centred environments.
Future Plans and Community Impact
While the garden is now complete, the service continues to explore ways to expand outdoor amenities. The success of this project may inspire similar initiatives at other Cygnet facilities. For the residents of Kirkside House and Lodge, the sensory garden offers a peaceful retreat where they can engage with nature, build new skills, and enjoy meaningful activities in a supportive setting.
