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Grant supports Afford to revamp Ashfield Lifestyle Centre garden

Announcement posted by Crema PR 01 Aug 2017

ASHFIELD, 1 August 2017 - The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) Ashfield Lifestyle Centre now boasts an enviable accessible garden and backyard area thanks to a Community Building Partnerships Grant made possible by the NSW State Government.

Afford is a leading not-for-profit disability organisation that supports people living with disability across Sydney.

Through Community Building Partnership Grants, Afford is able to provide further disability services the contribute to the health and wellbeing of clients.

These new funds have enabled Ashfield Lifestyle Centre to transform the backyard area.

Landscapers tore out old garden beds and dead vegetation and replaced these with new garden beds to be home to fresh flowers and a sensory herb garden.

Fresh, new grass was laid and a spacious wheelchair accessible deck was also installed for clients to enjoy social gatherings, BBQs and celebrations such as birthdays.

Staff at Afford Ashfield Lifestyle Centre say that the revamp of the backyard area has energised all those who attend the site and a new gardening program will be established to teach clients about food production.

Ms Joanna Haylen MP, visited Ashfield Lifestyle Centre to talk to clients and staff about the renovation.

Steven Herald, Afford CEO, says the garden transformation at Ashfield Lifestyle Centre is important in providing new life experiences for clients.

"We are so grateful to receive this Community Building Partnerships Grant. It will greatly benefit the many clients who attend the service every week by providing them with a welcoming and beautiful area to enjoy the outdoors," Mr Herald explains.

"The integration of a sensory garden will support Afford staff to use the garden as an educational experience for clients and the new accessible deck will serve as a place of sanctuary and also celebration for everyone at the Lifestyle Centre."

Afford is one of Australia's longest serving not-for-profit disability organisations and continuously goes beyond traditional service offerings to deliver new life experiences, work opportunities and lifelong friendships.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in NSW for 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people across Sydney every day.

For more information about Afford, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

ENDS

Editor's Note: Images available on request

Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au

More about the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) - www.afford.com.au

The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Sydney. The supports provided by Afford include: Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support and Support Coordination.