We were delighted to welcome Councillors Rebecca Charlwood, Jane Dowson and Eileen Taylor to Potternewton day service in April. They had come to see officially open the newly refurbished building and to see the work which had been completed for themselves.
Before an audience of people who use the service, family carers, staff, care managers and people who undertook the building work, Andy Rawnsley (our Chief Executive) spoke about the history of Potternewton and the work that has gone into getting the building ready. Cllr Charlwood (Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults) spoke of her pride that, despite the financial challenges facing Local Authorities, Leeds City Council had invested in Potternewton day service because Leeds is a compassionate and caring city.
The opening event was an opportunity for people to look around the building and to see the beautiful new sensory garden courtyard. The Prince’s Trust and Askham Bryan College adopted the garden space at Potternewton as their community project. Horticulture students were involved in designing, planning and installing the sensory garden as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. The courtyard has been transformed into a beautiful haven of tranquility with several water features and art work adorning the walls.
Since completing the project two of the students have gone on to successfully apply for support worker posts with Aspire and other students have benefittd from the opportunity to undertake work placements. Due to this success we will continue to work in partnership with the College and are identifying other locations where the green-fingered students may be able to work their magic.
You can see the videos of the official opening of Potternewton day service and the sensory garden courtyard below: