A charity, dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable in society, has planted a new sensory garden in the heart of Leeds, close to where it was founded in 1971.

St Anne’s Community Services (St Anne’s) which this year is celebrating its golden anniversary, has a proud heritage of supporting homeless people, those with learning disabilities, people requiring substance rehabilitation and aiding people with mental health needs.

Working with Leeds City Council’s Parks Team, staff and clients at St Anne’s planted the unique sensory garden with plants which support; taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound, in Queen’s Square, Leeds (by the Merrion Centre).

Clients from some of St Anne’s Leeds services, planted the garden last week, whilst a commemorative plaque and bench were installed. The garden was formally unveiled on Friday the 13^th August by St Anne’s Deputy CEO and Director of Operations, Shona Beaton.

Jacqueline Carver, Learning and Development Co-ordinator from St Anne’s, who has led on the project, said:

“St Anne’s is dedicated to inclusion, we wanted to create an accessible space everyone can enjoy. It was wonderful to see some of the people we support enjoy planting and taking part in the unveiling”.

Azra Kirkby, Chief Executive Officer for St Anne’s said:

“Queens Square is a stone throw from where the St Anne’s journey began back in 1971, where we were set up to support homeless people. The last 50 years has been a journey of developing new services to enable people to have better life outcomes.

“We hope the garden will be enjoyed by everyone, and we are committed to keeping accessible and colourful for the local community to enjoy.”

Pictured; Paul and Melanie (L to R), two of the people St Anne’s supports.