A new community garden has opened at Riverside Family Hub in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull.
What was previously an unused area around the Best Start Family Hub has been transformed into a welcoming, modern outdoor space for Solihull families to enjoy.
The garden, comprised of creative, sensory, and adult relaxation areas, was made possible thanks to a successful £49,828 bid to the Severn Trent Community Fund.
The project was endorsed by local community groups Super SEN CIC and ReImagine Me CIC, both of which contributed letters of support to help the Hub secure the award.
A total of 151 local young people, parents, and carers were asked to vote on their preferences for the garden.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, explained:
“The garden is a brilliant upgrade to the Hub. It’s a fully secure outdoor space which gives local families the option between spending time with their littles ones either inside in the warm or outside in the cool open-air.
“I’d like to once again thank the Severn Trent Community Fund for recognising the importance of the Solihull Family Hubs to local residents in north Solihull and their significant backing which made the garden project possible.
“I’d also like to thank our community partners for their support, our construction contractors for their hard work even during the height of summer, and to our Council staff for all their contributions.
“I’m delighted that the garden is now completed and ready for children, young people, parents and carers to enjoy for many years to come.”
Natalie Cunningham, Community Fund Manager at Severn Trent, reflected:
“We’re very pleased to have supported the creation of such a wonderful garden.
“The distinct areas allow for parents and carers to take a moment whilst their little ones explore the sensory and creative areas, both of which are in sight from the relaxation area.
“It’s a well-designed mix of natural plants, play toys, and practical features for children, young people, and families to enjoy.
“The garden is beneficial in many ways, from supporting early development through outdoor play to protecting plants and wildlife, so it’s great to see a valuable resource like this come to life from start to end.
“Meaningful projects such as these exemplify what the Severn Trent Community Fund is all about, and we can’t wait for families to experience it for themselves.”
To see more of the garden, visit Riverside Family Hub in-person or follow the Solihull Family Hubs’ Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest pictures and videos.
Severn Trent’s funding opportunity was identified and championed by the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability team as part of the Your Future Chelmsley Wood (YFCW) programme, which seeks to improve Solihull residents’ health and wellbeing through sustainability and community‑driven improvements. To find out more, visit www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-chelmsley-wood.
About the Severn Trent Community Fund
Severn Trent is supporting local charities and community group with over £20 million in the ten years from 2020 - helping to make a real and tangible difference to the wellbeing in our communities.
The Community Fund is overseen by an independent panel, made up of Severn Trent customers, who review applications and make the final decisions on where the money will go.
Severn Trent Community Fund have two available funds: new project funding and core funding. Both are online applications with set criteria. All eligibility criteria, Fund aims and full application guidance for each can be found at www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund.
