Young gardeners give Rathfern a spring clean thanks to the Housing Executive

Fully Equipped: Hard at work sprucing up the Sovereign Complex are, left to right, Daryl Kirkham and Jordan Kee.
Fully Equipped: Hard at work sprucing up the Sovereign Complex are, left to right, Daryl Kirkham and Jordan Kee.

New gardening equipment is helping to upskill young people in Antrim thanks to building contractors, Combined Facilities Management, and the Housing Executive.

Gardening equipment was purchased by The Sovereign Complex in Rathfern with £750 awarded via a social clause initiative in CFM’s contract with the Housing Executive.

Thomas Kirkham, Sovereign Complex Manager, Rathfern, said, “This equipment has enabled our young people to learn new skills while tidying up the grounds around our centre.

“Seeing the younger generation taking an interest in improving the look of the area and being proud of their hard work is great.

“Learning in the outdoors is so good for their mental and physical health, especially for those who spend the majority of their time indoors.”

Deborah Farrell, CFM Business Development Manager said, “We are proud to support the enhancement of the grounds around Rathfern Complex through the provision of these gardening items.

“At CFM, we aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities we work in and it’s fantastic to see how this support has engaged isolated community members in such a worthwhile activity.

“Supporting people is at the heart of our vision and purpose, and this extends beyond CFM to the communities we work within.”

Stephen Gamble, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, South Antrim said, “We are always happy to support projects which involve young people in taking care of and pride in their communities and the environment.

“The area around the Rathfern Complex is looking great as a result of their efforts.

“I have seen so many communities be able to expand upon their services thanks to this new social clause partnership initiative with CFM.

“We are very happy to have supported such worthwhile projects across Antrim.”