RNN Group Students Transform Community Garden in Partnership with Esh Construction
A powerful partnership between RNN Group students and Esh Construction has helped revitalise a community garden for Lighthouse Homes – a Rotherham-based charity supporting men facing homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse.
The redevelopment project, completed in time for spring, aims to boost mental wellbeing and encourage outdoor activity for the residents of the 17-bed hostel on Westgate, which offers 24/7 support for men aged 18 and over.
A dedicated team of students from the RNN Group volunteered their time and skills to support the project. They worked alongside industry professionals from Esh Construction to upcycle benches, install sleepers, lay paving, and create a sustainable green space that will benefit residents for years to come.
Patience Middleton, an RNN Group student who took part in the project, said:
“I have really enjoyed participating in practical activities on site, as it has allowed me to work outside of my comfort zone and given me valuable knowledge and skills by working with industry specialists.
Completing this project with the Esh team has given me an insight into how to work together to complete a project, and I feel confident that I can take what I have learnt on site into my future career.”
Martin Haigh, Support Manager at Lighthouse Homes, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort:
“The provision of a quiet green space is an essential part of what we offer to our residents in Rotherham. We are very grateful to Esh Construction for the work done and the way they did it. They minimised disruption and were polite and courteous at every contact we have had with them.”
Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager at Esh Construction, added:
“The facilities at Lighthouse Homes are incredible. Their work to help young men in the local community is invaluable, and the new garden will provide them with the opportunity to further enhance the support that they offer.
Esh is committed to delivering social value initiatives like this one in the local areas where we are operating. The work that we do is long-term, to create a legacy, and we hope that the new garden will provide support to the residents for many years to come.”
Rotherham Council also praised the partnership. Councillor Sarah Allen, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the work that Esh Construction and the RNN students have completed for the residents at Lighthouse Homes, as the benefits they will gain from the new garden are endless.
Lighthouse Homes, as evidenced by this particular project, is really important to us. We have a rough sleeper and homelessness strategy for the borough, and Lighthouse Homes make an important contribution to this.”
This project reflects the power of community collaboration and the value of hands-on learning for students.
It not only enhanced a vital local service but also gave RNN students an opportunity to build skills and contribute to lasting social impact in their town.