PC helps young people create new garden for elderly

6 July 2022

“It’s nice to see them smiling, that’s my reward,” says a Hertfordshire PC who has helped young adults to transform a community garden for the elderly as part of a Prince’s Trust project.

PC Arron Worbey jumped at the chance to be part of the trust’s 12-week personal development scheme, which involves him working closely with the charity and acting as a mentor for the 16 to 24-year-olds.

As part of the project, the group gave a garden, located in the grounds of Hemel Hempstead's Gadebridge Park and owned by a charity-run social centre for the elderly, a complete makeover, making it a safe space for older people to enjoy. 

“Before the group got to work, the garden was overgrown. The paving slabs were collapsed, there were lots of weeds covering access points and the guttering had completely collapsed. The team fixed the guttering, de-weeded the entire space, painted the window sills and installed a brand new bird box,” explained Arron, who has been in the Force for 19 years.

The group raised £500 from a cake sale to help pay for the revamp, with a local company donating £400 worth of plants and flowers to add to the garden space.

“It looked really nice at the end. The work the team had done made such a difference. Those elderly people can now sit in the garden again, something we all take for granted but will mean so much to them,” added Arron, who has a passion for supporting charities, having helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes over the past decade.

“It gives you that warm feeling inside. You can’t buy that feeling. I’m a firm believer that if you show kindness, then you’ll get kindness back - and this scheme epitomises that.

“I was really proud of the group. This is their project, this is for them. I’m just there to mentor them and help out. It was nice to see them smiling, for me that was my reward.”

PC Arron Worbey and some of the young people from the Prince’s Trust

The scheme aims to give young adults the skills and confidence they need to secure employment or further education.

“Since day one, I’ve really seen the group grow and develop. It’s great to see such a difference,” said Arron, explaining the project has also involved a camping trip, complete with a number of team-building exercises. 

“I think it’s brilliant that the Prince’s Trust gives these people such opportunities. I had a difficult upbringing myself, I know how challenging it can be to turn your life around when you’re that age. Schemes like this give them the opportunity to improve themselves, whether that’s helping them with CV writing skills, or simply building their confidence.”

As well as the benefits felt by those involved, Arron says working on projects like these from the Prince’s Trust, helps him to gain a better understanding of younger communities, which he can take back to his job.

“Community engagement is so important. This is a great opportunity for me to understand the issues and pressures young adults are feeling, something that I can take back to my role too,” Arron adds.