Local MP Celebrates Work of the Prince’s Trust at Ellesmere Port Care Home

Justin Madders MP has joined Whitby House to unveil its garden make over.

A group of young adults taking part in The Prince’s Trust project, have worked hard to transform the garden and patio areas at Whitby House Care Home in Ellesmere Port.

The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service led The Prince’s Trust programme, is a 12-week personal development course for 19 to 25 year olds. The course includes a team building residential week, participation in a community project, a two week work placement and a graduation ceremony.

Whitby House was chosen for the community project by the Ellesmere Port team and they have been busy cleaning and repainting furniture; jet washing the patio area and planting new flowers and making raised vegetable planters.

The Prince’s Trust team have also been working with the residents who have been decorating pots, birdhouses and garden gnomes.

Joan, aged 91, a resident at Whitby house, said: “It’s great to have young people here, they are all very hard workers and have filled our days with fun and laughter.”

The project was completed on Friday 28th and Justin Madders, the local MP attended to open the new garden area and kick off the celebrations for the team completing their project.

Justin Madders said: “I was delighted to visit Whitby House to meet Ellesmere Port Prince’s Trust and learn more about their TEAM programme.
“The programme is an excellent opportunity for young people to get involved in projects that make a difference in their local community whilst developing their own skills.

“I was delighted to meet young people from the programme putting these skills into action and to see the fantastic job they’ve made of transforming the gardens and patio area at Whitby House for the enjoyment of the residents.”

The Prince’s Trust team also worked with staff and residents to create a scarecrow for the Little Sutton (PALS) Scarecrow festival.
Stuart Baxter is the Prince’s Trust Programme Manager for the Ellesmere Port team and oversaw the project. He said: “This is a great outside space for residents to enjoy.

“The whole team should be very proud of how hard they have worked to get the project finished. They have not only showed excellent teamwork and planning but also that they raised enough money from bag packing to buy the materials themselves.

“I would like to thank Whitby House staff and residents for giving the team this opportunity and for making them so welcome.”