In my conversations with residents on Glenrothes Close during my time as a Neighbourhood Coordinator for Braunstone they’d often mentioned that the benches outside their homes were unusable, and that with the nice weather approaching, they'd like to use them.
So, I spoke to Ryan, a former Neighbourhood Team Manager for the Midlands, and using the Neighbourhood Improvement Fund we had the benches restored. The benches have made the residents very happy as they've now been able to use them in the evenings to sit outside and have a natter with each other. In fact, residents were using them every day to enjoy the lovely weather we’d been having as well.
The residents of Glenrothes Close are mostly singles whose partners have unfortunately passed, so they form a tight-knit community that keep each other company. Recently they told me that on a Saturday evening following the benches getting their new lease of life, they all had sandwiches together, sitting out on the front as they put the world to rights.
Residents Collin, Monty, and Jim like to have a glass of sherry before bed on the benches too. Giving the residents this new place to socialise and enjoy the sunshine has clearly had a positive impact on their wellbeing and sense of community.
Take a look at a photo of some very happy residents below!
By Sharan ∙ August 5, 2024
