Ryde’s Easthill Home for Deaf People, a vital part of the charity Deaf Action, is reaching out to the local community and businesses on the Isle of Wight for support in restoring their garden space. The charity, which provides residential care to deaf people from across the UK, is working with volunteers to rejuvenate the care home’s garden. Located on Pitt Street in the heart of the town, the home – which at 1-time houses as many as 13 people – is one of a small number of specialist deaf care homes in the country. The initiative was started by the family and friends of residents, Karen Baitup and Amanda Casson-Webb. The pair have planned a day for the local community to transform the garden on 8th June 2024. This effort aims to provide residents with a safe and welcoming outdoor space where they can enjoy the summer sunshine and socialise comfortably. As the sole care facility for deaf people in the area, and the only care home registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) specifically for deaf people, Easthill plays a crucial role in providing specialised care and support to its deaf residents. However, despite the excellent care and facilities provided, limited funds have left the home’s garden area in need of attention. 
Speaking to Island Echo on the current state of the garden, Amber Holbrook, registered manager at Easthill, has said:
“The garden is large but its got very overgrown and hard to manage. We would love to tidy it up allow everyone access to the garden without issue making it a nice place for visitors and residents alike.”
The current garden comprises of a large patio space, with a grassed area and summer hose in situ. Plans are in place to integrate raised plant beds so that residents can enjoy some gardening and have ample space to enjoy the weather and relax. The fundraising total is already well on its way with more than £1,600 – of a £5,000 target – raised so far. Volunteer Karen Baitup said:
“My mum has dementia and has been living at Easthill for 2 years. The staff are so kind and caring, and when you see all the staff and residents signing together, you realise it’s a special place. We wanted to give something back to say thanks and knew that the garden was the perfect project.”
Easthill Home for Deaf People is now calling on volunteers and local businesses to contribute to this important project. There are several ways people and companies can help, including donations of plants, garden tools, or monetary contributions, as well as offering time on the day of the makeover. So far local institutions such as Hayland’s Farm, John’s Club and Red Funnel have all offered their support in one way or another. A total of 50 people from not just the Island, are set to come and offer their support on 8th June. Amber Holbrook, Registered Manager at Easthill Home for Deaf People, has said:
“We are delighted that we have such amazing volunteers who are willing to give so much of their time to this project. “Their dedication to improving the quality of life for our residents is commendable, and we are eager to support them in any way we can. With the generous support of the Isle of Wight community, we believe we can make this transformation possible. “Anyone with any tools, paints, decorations or anything at all that they could spare to help us, please get in touch.”
For those interested in supporting the garden makeover project, more information can be found on the Deaf Action website: https://deafaction.org/our-events/volunteer-day-easthill-home-for-deaf-people/ Anyone wishing to donate to the JustGiving page can do so here. 
