Can You Help Finish This Garden Escape for Adults with Learning Disabilities?

A learning disability respite centre in Cornwall is appealing for help to finish a sensory summerhouse that has become a much-loved part of its garden space.

The wooden summerhouse at Hft’s Chy Keres in Tregadillet, near Launceston, was installed last autumn after months of local fundraising events, including a golf day at Launceston Golf Club, cake sales, a charity ball, and a disco and pasty night.

Now, with summer approaching, staff and the people they support are hoping to make the space fully accessible and complete the final touches.

A Place to Relax and Unwind

The summerhouse is already proving to be a hit with those who spend time at Chy Keres.

Gemma Brown, who is supported at the centre, said:
“The summerhouse is a really nice place to sit and relax and enjoy the garden.”

It currently features beanbags and cushions, along with a sensory fidget board to provide a calming space for people supported by the service.

Local Support Got the Project Started

The summerhouse came together thanks to the generosity of local businesses and volunteers.

Homeleigh Garden Centre in Launceston offered the wooden structure at a discounted price, while builders’ merchant Jewsons donated slabs for its base. Volunteers even borrowed a digger to clear the site, and the structure itself was built by a carpenter – the son-in-law of one of the charity’s staff members.

Sam Zilkha, Service Manager at Chy Keres, said:
“Originally we just had a sun shade outside in the garden. But in the good weather this didn’t give enough shade for the people we support, so we were keen to provide something where they could go and get out of the sun while being outside.
The fundraising has taken place over a period of time, so we were delighted to get the summerhouse installed last autumn.”

What Still Needs Doing

While the summerhouse is already being enjoyed, further work is needed to make it accessible for everyone – especially for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.

“We want to make the summerhouse and the garden accessible to everyone,” said Sam.
“And to do that we need to be able to lay a path from the main building to the summerhouse to allow people with mobility issues to be able to fully enjoy the space.
People have said they would also like to go out there and listen to music, so we really need electrics out there too.”

More Than Just a Garden

The garden at Chy Keres has seen a number of developments over the years. It features raised planters for herbs, a polytunnel for growing vegetables, and plans are underway to create a sensory area with colourful and scented plants.

Gemma, 36, who enjoys gardening at the centre, added:
“It would be really nice if we could get some additional help to finish the summerhouse and garden and make it more accessible for everyone, especially now summer is on its way.
It’s a lovely space to be in and socialise with everyone and it would be nice if we could get it properly finished.”

How You Can Help

Anyone who can support the work at Chy Keres – whether through donations, labour, or materials – is encouraged to get in touch.
You can email sam.zilkha@hft.org.uk or call 01566 779805.

Every bit of help brings the garden one step closer to becoming a fully inclusive, sensory-rich retreat for those who need it most.