10 November 2009
Everybody needs good neighbours
Students from the University of Sheffield turned painters and gardeners this weekend (7 November 2009), as they worked with local residents to spruce up their neighbourhood.
The event was part of the `Love Where You Live´ project, which was started two years ago by SheffieldVolunteering, based in the University´s Union of Students. The project aims to give residents and students the chance to get to know each other and at the same time, brighten up the local area.
37 residents and family members and 58 student volunteers who live on Harcourt Road in Crookesmoor spent the day improving the appearance of their gardens and tidying up the street. SheffieldVolunteering provided free pots and plants to the group and also got involved by clearing debris and leaves from the pavements.
SheffieldVolunteering also provided paint so that students and local residents could brighten up the street, by giving their wheelie bins a splash of colour. The wheelie bins were also numbered and named to encourage owners to take responsibility for their bins, once they had been emptied. The University´s Department of Estates also offered a helping hand, by sending a team from the Grounds Maintenance Team to help students and residents cut back overgrown gardens and clear over-hanging branches.
By the end of the day the group had smartened up 15 student properties and 15 permanent resident properties, and improved the general appearance of the street.
Stella Mchugh, Manager of SheffieldVolunteering, said: "We had a great reaction to this project when we established it two years ago. Students and residents not only bonded and had fun during the day, but friendships were formed. As well as the students getting to know their neighbours, it is a chance for student´s to give something back to the city in which they work and study. I am grateful to all who took part, and believe it has encouraged people to get involved in further volunteering opportunities."
Simon Ogden, a resident on the road, said: "Harcourt Road has a great mix of students, young families and older residents. This event brought them all together giving a great community feel. The turnout was the best we have ever had and has really made a difference to the appearance."
Gareth Evans, a student volunteer, said: "What an interesting and productive way to spend a Saturday afternoon! Not only do you get to do something completely different from usual, it's a great way to get to know your neighbours whilst doing something productive and genuinely useful for the community. Great fun all round and the street looks amazing!" Notes for Editors: For further information on , please visit SheffieldVolunteering
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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