Cardiff Council’s Park Services has formed a unique partnership with the charity Vision 21 (Cyfle Cymru) to help carry out work in Cardiff’s parks.
The registered charity which offers people with learning needs the opportunity to undertake vocational training with a view to employment, has been working with the Council for three years.
Several projects have been carried out by Vision 21’s Fairwater Community Garden project which help support parks staff in maintaining, restoring and looking after the city’s parks and gardens.
Various tasks have included preparing and maintaining furniture and maintenance on access gates and perimeter railings.
Recent works have taken place in Roath Botanic Gardens, Waterloo Gardens and in Roath Park the restoration of old benches are being refurbished to be re-used at other locations throughout the city.
Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “Partnership working with Vision 21 has been hugely beneficial for the city’s green spaces as well as providing the opportunity for people to gain knowledge and experience in our wonderful parks.
“The group have done an excellent job and their efforts are appreciated by visitors to our parks.”
Ken Bray, Coordinator at Fairwater Community Garden said: “This partnership has given our students a fantastic, real work experience opportunity.
“The students get much satisfaction from seeing their hard work appreciated by people in their community, and the public are generally left with a more positive image of people with learning needs and what they can achieve given the right opportunities and support.”
