St Paul’s parish embarked on fund-raising for the provision of a sensory garden at a residential centre for brain injury survivors, as a special community project to mark the 150th anniversary of the church building in 2018.
The garden was for the charity Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland, which opened its first assisted living residential service in 2001, in a house called “Anvers” on Adelaide Road, just a few hundred metres from St Paul’s church. Then known as the Peter Bradley Foundation, it was started by Barbara O’Connell for her brother Peter, who had suffered brain injuries in two serious road accidents by the age of 42.
The proceeds of several initiatives during the parish’s 150th celebrations went towards this garden project, including a substantial amount raised by a very successful concert held in the church in conjunction with Glasthule Opera. At the end of the year, a €10,000 cheque was given to ABI Ireland for the sensory garden.
Building plans at Anvers delayed the start of constructing the garden in the large space behind the two semi-detached houses that make up the residence. By the beginning of 2020, ABI Ireland had hoped to be able to use the funding provided by St Paul’s to create an accessible, paved sensory garden with seating area but the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to everything.
After they were unable to secure planning permission for an independent living unit at the back of Anvers, the parish funds were used to create a communal courtyard at the back of the two semi-detached houses. The Rector was invited there in April 2024 to see the finished flag-stone patio, fitted with timber benches and planters full of spring flowers, where residents can take time out in the fresh air.
Fiona, the centre manager, explained how the opening of an arch to link the two halves of this accessible, sitting-out space behind the houses has increased socialisation among the eight residents – four live in each house. Before this, they had to go out the front door of one house and in the front door of the other to spend time together. It has also been beneficial for staff.
