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VIVID, one of the region’s leading providers of affordable homes, has proudly opened a vibrant new sensory garden at St Johns Court in Farnborough — created to offer customers a calming, inclusive space to relax and connect with nature.
The garden was created after listening to customer feedback and will make a real difference by offering a peaceful, welcoming space where people with limited mobility or dementia can feel relaxed, included, and supported. With scented plants, gentle sounds, interactive features, and plenty of places to sit and unwind, it’s designed to bring comfort, spark joy, and create meaningful moments for everyone who visits.
The project was made possible through Jewson Partnership Solutions’ social value commitment. They contributed volunteer hours, donated plants, equipment, and supplies, and supported the purchase of garden furniture. Additional funding came from Efficiency East Midlands (EEM), who donated £591 to help purchase statues, ornaments, and trees to add a personal touch to the space.
Local MP Alex Baker officially opened the garden, joined by customers and team members from both Jewson Partnership Solutions and VIVID.
Beth Holmyard, Head of Neighbourhoods at VIVID, said: “The sensory gardens are a fantastic example of how listening to our customers and working with partners can lead to inclusive, calming spaces that truly support wellbeing and community. It’s been brilliant to see everyone come together to make this happen.”
Lara Gavin, Regional Partnership Director at Jewson Partnership Solutions, added: “Supporting the local communities in which we live and work is extremely important to Jewson Partnership Solutions. That’s why we were delighted to create a space in St Johns Court for the customers of VIVID by donating materials and sending in teams of volunteers from our local JPS branches. We hope the sensory garden will bring joy to the community and staff for many years to come, and look forward to working on many more social value projects with VIVID.”
Alex Baker, Member of Parliament for Aldershot, said: "It was a real pleasure to open the new sensory garden at St John’s Court in Farnborough. The space, designed to support residents’ wellbeing, will provide a wonderful area to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of nature. It is great to see how projects like this bring people together and make such a difference to daily life. Well done to all involved. It is a real credit to the staff, residents and volunteers, including Jewson Partnership Solutions, who made it possible."