Lovell builds place of tranquility for local Buddhists

Affordable housing specialist, Lovell, worked in partnership with Mersey Fire and Rescue Service and young people from youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, by supplying skips, timber and a trainee joiner to work for five days as part of a gardening project at the Buddhist Centre.

Young people were on The Trust’s 12-week Team programme which is delivered by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and helps those taking part develop the skills and confidence to get them into work, education or training.

Lovell helped The Prince’s Trust course members to clear the garden; the trainee joiner then built some seating areas around the bases of the trees.

Elaine Pritchard from the Duldzin Kadampa Buddhist Centre says: “The improved garden is fantastic, as it’s provided a tranquil space for all the people of Liverpool to simply sit and relax in peace and quiet. We’re very grateful to all the volunteers for their help and hard work.”

This follows on from two previous projects which Lovell helped implement with The Prince’s Trust. In February this year, Lovell worked in partnership with The Trust and the fire brigade to improve the Wahl Sing Community Centre for the local Chinese community. In October 2010, Lovell also supported Liverpool Mutual Homes Beechwood Garden Project to tackle anti-social behaviour by cleaning up and creating a new model garden at the flats, with the support and help of The Prince's Trust, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police.

Lovell regional director Nigel Yates says: “We are a company very much committed to working with communities to improve their social and economic outlook. These projects are a great example of our ongoing dedication to working with local people to help create a community we are all happy to live in and proud to be a member of.”

Sara Lawton from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service concludes: “All three projects have had a positive impact within Toxteth and its surrounding area. Young people on The Prince’s Trust Team programme participate in fundraising activities to fund each project and additional support provided by Lovell has enabled the team to deliver some of the best projects run by The Prince’s Trust in Toxteth.

“The young people have also gained work experience, with some individuals securing apprenticeships in the construction industry. The lives of those involved have been changed in a positive way and the support shown by Lovell instils the young people with confidence and recognition that has assisted them in following their aspirations.”

The Trust recently won the Liverpool Mutual Homes’ Unity Award, which recognises the hard work and commitment of the volunteers who contributed to the success of community projects such as the Beechwood Garden Project.