Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Menu
Search the University of Manchester siteSearch Menu StaffNet

Student volunteers transform women’s shelter garden

24 Jun 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 40 students have joined forces with local residents, volunteering almost 200 hours to transform a garden at temporary accommodation in Manchester

Student volunteers

When the women’s centre was forced to limit indoor activities, student volunteers stepped forward to create a welcoming outdoor space where residents could socialise safely. With funding from local outdoor store Patagonia, small, socially distanced teams of students worked every week from April to June to restore the garden to its former glory by litter picking, weeding, removing dead plants, cleaning paths and garden furniture and cutting back overgrown hedges, before planting trees, creating decorative flower beds, installing a herb and fruit garden, and a climbing plant wall.

Dimple Patel, Engagement Activities Coordinator at Women’s Direct Access Shelter commented: “We would like to thank all students and staff at The University of Manchester for organising and coordinating the garden project. The residents now have a colourful garden space to enjoy relaxing in and love the garden transformation.”

The centre provides residents, many of whom have fled difficult home lives or domestic violence, with a safe place to stay and get support with mental health, long-term accommodation, training and employment. Many of the women are only at the centre for a short time, and this project has ensured they have a place to relax and socialise while they are there.

If students want to get involved in volunteering, they can sign up to opportunities on the Volunteer Hub.

Our Stellify programme for students

  • Our Stellify programme is a student-focused initiative that supports our University’s commitment to social responsibility. It encourages our students to get involved in activities that will develop their skills and experiences; to become socially responsible, innovative, resourceful graduates who are able to make a positive contribution to society and are also more employable.