A garden for women requiring a wide range of health services has been unveiled after a group of volunteers from Unipart, one of Europe’s leading manufacturing, logistics and consultancy companies, brought it back into use.
Over 50 volunteers from Unipart’s consulting division, Unipart Expert Practices, have transformed the previously disused garden area at the Women’s Centre in the John Radcliffe Hospital into an attractive area for staff and patients.
Marie Sims, Gynaecology Outpatients Sister said: “The garden is now unrecognisable, it looks amazing and is a far more welcoming environment for women to sit in and enjoy. On behalf of all the staff and the women who use our services, I would like to thank the team from Unipart for all their hard work both onsite and behind the scenes. We cannot thank them enough for their input and for giving us this gorgeous new environment which we will all continue to enjoy and develop.”
Alan Kelly, Managing Director or Unipart Expert Practices said: “I’m really proud of the hard work that our team have put in to this project. At Unipart, we believe in empowering our employees, we find solutions that work for our business as well as for the communities in which we operate.”
The green-fingered volunteers gave up two days to clear the area and planted around 500 plants following the guidance and support from Sheena Marsh at Oxford Garden Design. The garden has now taken shape and has been finished off with two sculptures designed by Christopher Townsend.
Christopher Townsend said: “‘It was great to be asked to make the sculptures for the garden as my two sons were born at the centre. My wife and I spent many weeks looking at an overgrown garden when expecting our second son, so it’s great to see the garden looking so well cared for now. The two flowers, one large and one small, for me represent my boys. But could also represent a mother and child. I hope the sculptures will further enhance the garden to provide staff and patients with tranquil environment.’’
The project was funded by Unipart with assistance from HSS Hire which donated tools and equipment for the day. Unipart Group recently scored 100% in the Business in the Community 2016 Corporate Responsibility Index – the UK’s leading benchmark of responsible business.