SEEDS of hope have been planted at a County Durham hub as part of a summer event to spread positivity.

Service users at Pathways hubs across the county took part in an eight-week celebration which followed a theme of learning through nature and the environment.

The Durham County Council-run service, which provides specialist activities for people with complex care and support needs, worked alongside Groundwork and the council’s Clean and Green team to arrange activities for the summer event, including planting flowers in raised beds spelling the word ‘hope’.

A carnival themed parade took place at Pathways’ Durham hub, where a horse arrived to the soundtrack of Black Beauty and a tractor was driven through the parade area, followed by staff carrying a banner of hope.

Pathway Hub gardens were decked with bunting, depicting the messages of hope, joy, togetherness, and kindness.

Local poet, Keith Parker, also wrote and dedicated a poem of hope to the event.

The event culminated in guests toasting each other via Teams and an outdoor picnic, with live music in the background performed by Karl Herbert and Andrew Lawton.

In preparation for the event, service users made their own sensory herb and strawberry planters, created bird feeders and painted rocks to display in the garden.

Service user Tarendeep Bassi said: “I would like to say how much I enjoyed taking part in the gardening session at Peterlee Pathways and have enjoyed growing various plants with the staff and service users over the past few weeks."

Joanne Ashworth, from Groundwork, said: “Thank you so much for allowing me and my colleagues at Groundwork to get involved in the amazing world of Pathways.

"It’s been a pleasure and will always be the happiest of memories from my time at Groundwork.”

Councillor Paul Sexton, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “It’s great to see the efforts of the Pathways team, Clean and Green and Groundwork come together to create a summer of hope and positivity for service users across the county. The event allowed everyone to have fun and show their creativity, as well as get involved with the natural environment through flower planting and other activities.”

Pathways delivers a wide range of activities and aims to promote self-confidence and self-esteem, build a sense of belonging and help build friendships.

The team sends its thanks to Pity Me Nursery, which donated plants and compost, and B&Q Durham, which donated a gazebo for guests to stay safe in the sun.

For more information about Pathways for adults with disabilities, visit durham.gov.uk/pathways

Raised flower beds were planted up to spell ‘hope’ at Pathways Hubs across Countu Durham

Raised flower beds were planted up to spell ‘hope’ at Pathways Hubs across Countu Durham

 

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