Sunny days ahead for seniors as therapeutic garden comes to Limerick hospital
A REFURBISHMENT to the St Camillus' campus in Limerick is now under way and a revamped therapeutic garden is on its way for their residents.
From benches, to tables, and even a few flower beds, the PALLS team were reached out to by the hospital, and are now working on refurbishing the therapeutic garden as a way for its members to give back to the community in a positive and impactful way.
John Curtin, the Clinical Nurse Manager at St Camillus' Hospital discussed the longstanding relationship they have with PALLS.
“We are hugely indebted to them for the work they have done for us here.”
Originally developed in 2018, the garden is used “all year round by the residents of the Tearmann Ward, for therapy sessions and gardening groups,” he stated.
PALLS itself has been in existence for about 15 years, and gives “individual support for purposeful change” for over 23s involved with the Probation Service and the criminal justice system.
As Community Employment Supervisor, Mike Guerin explains that PALLS has been “delighted” to have the opportunity to “help in the refurbishment of their therapeutic garden”, which he ensures is “a source of great comfort and great enjoyment to their patients”.
“Because of the type of organisation we are, we have a strong philosophy of giving back,” he said.
PJ O'Sullivan, a member of PALLS, told the story of his drug and alcohol addiction, which he struggled with until he entered Cuan Mhuire treatment centre, in Bruree last August.
Currently residing in a transition house, PJ said that he came into PALLS “at the end of January 2023”.
Working with the Community Employment scheme, PJ stated, “I work in the construction department”.
Talking about PALLS, he continued by saying, “I really enjoy it”.
“It helps me with manual handling and safe pass courses, and with cookery classes and learning how to use different machines in the room,” he added.
Warehouse Supervisor, David Ryan trains members, like PJ, in woodwork and DIY classes. “We also upcycle furniture, and do new builds of furniture like kitchen doors and the likes,” he stated.
Speaking about the garden project, he humbly said, “a project like this, it's for others, and it's in the county which is more important”.