Heathlands Day Centre: A Collaborative Effort for the Community

Jerram Falkus Construction care passionately about the communities in which we live and work. We do more than deliver buildings; we deliver places and legacies. Our commitment to community-focused construction stems from our deep roots in East London and longstanding partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

These relationships drive our passion for enhancing vital infrastructure and delivering spaces that make a lasting impact. In line with this ethos, we recently collaborated with fellow contractors and local residents to transform the gardens at Heathlands Day Centre in Dagenham.

About Heathlands Day Centre: A Lifeline for the Community

Heathlands Day Centre is a vital community service, offering care for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities and Autism. The Centre provides indispensable support to service users and their families, helping maintain relationships while promoting independence for those living at home.

Currently supporting 50 individuals, Heathlands enriches lives through various tailored activities and services aimed at improving well-being and fostering a sense of community. The Centre’s accessible facilities ensure it meets diverse needs, including:

• A fully equipped multi-sensory room
• An art room for creative expression
• A music room to encourage exploration through sound
• A physio room to support physical health
• A soft playroom for sensory development
• An accessible kitchen for life skills and culinary activities

These resources form the backbone of the Centre’s mission to empower its users and provide a supportive, inclusive environment.

Building Inclusive Spaces: The Garden Transformation Project

The transformation of the Heathlands Day Centre garden was driven by a clear purpose: to create a fully wheelchair-accessible outdoor space where all users of the Centre could enjoy the benefits of nature. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and promoting inclusivity.

A True Collaboration for the Community

The project’s success was rooted in collaboration. Jerram Falkus partnered with L&Q, Hill Group, Careys Ltd, Vistry Group, and local residents to deliver a garden that is now accessible to all. Together, we donated and utilised key materials—including paint, paving stones, shingle, and turf—to bring this vision to life.

The collaborative efforts resulted in the creation of two paved seating areas and ensured wheelchair access to a sensory shed. We also repaired and painted an interactive music bridge and gazebo roof, while clearing overgrown brambles and laying fresh turf to revitalise the space.

Community volunteers played an integral role by laying the garden weed membrane, spreading bark, and preparing the grounds for future projects. This shared effort exemplifies the power of collective action in transforming public spaces.

The Impact on the Community

The outcome of this project has been transformative. Carol Hacket, Manager at Heathlands Day Centre, expressed her gratitude:

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Contractors Hill Group, Careys Ltd, Vistry, Jerram Falkus, and our local community.

The new wheelchair-accessible gardens will provide a wonderful space for our service users to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities. This project has truly made a difference in their lives.”

The garden stands as a vibrant, inclusive space where service users can relax, socialise, and participate in various activities. It is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and teamwork in creating meaningful environments.

Partner With Jerram Falkus to Build Inclusive Spaces

At Jerram Falkus Construction, we are proud to contribute to projects that enhance the lives of communities. From accessibility-focused renovations to large-scale construction, we deliver solutions that stand the test of time.

If you’re planning a project that prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.

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