At the end of the summer we had the pleasure of visiting tenant Mark and the Mencap support team, headed by service manager Yvonne at his home in the North East.

The visit was an opportunity to also see the results of the work Golden Lane Housing’s Assets team had completed to the back garden.

The project was led on by Vanessa McFarquhar, Trainee Property Surveyor and overseen by Rohan Sudderick, Senior Surveyor.

Leading off from the back of the property, which is now a detached bungalow having previously been separated into 2 semi detached homes, the space like most gardens associated with these types of properties is extensive.

Vanessa worked closely with Mark, his housemates and the Mencap support team, to understand everyone’s needs and make sure that the designs for the garden fitted well with their lifestyles.

As luck would have it, the sun was shining and we were able to spend a pleasant afternoon with Mark, finding out more about how he is enjoying the space.

Mark is a keen artist, who enjoys painting and arts and crafts, so much so his work has received much praise and earlier in the year was displayed at Sothebys as part of their ‘Humanity: The Outside In National Exhibition’. Mark was one of 500 entries throughout the UK to be chosen for this ground-breaking and inclusive art exhibition at Sotheby’s auction house.

• Read more about the exhibition

The garden provides a tranquil and private place with several seating areas and ornamental features that draw the eye. A focal point of the garden is the summerhouse, which is kitted out for Mark especially to explore his artistic interests.

Mark said ‘I have loved being able to have garden parties and to entertain my family and friends, throughout the summer. I am looking forward  to better weather again.’  

Accessibility was an important requirement of the updated specification of the space which is part laid to lawn and has a patio which extends the length of the house.

 Yvonne Rogers, Mencap Service Manager said ‘I feel it is the beginning of a wonderful project for all who live at Welbeck and the team. The team are working with the people we support around their interests and ideas on how they want the garden to look moving forward and how they will  get the most from it’.

Rohan Sudderick, Senior Surveyor said ‘Having initially spoken to Yvonne the previous year she advised that the tenants would like to be able to have use of the outdoor spaces to sit and also carry out activities in the summer.  I and Vanessa then discussed proposals for the works with Yvonne and the tenants, who then agreed upon the design.

I hope the tenants get many years enjoyment out of their new garden’.