Volunteers create garden for Nottingham's detox service
A peaceful garden has been created by volunteers at Framework’s leading detox service for residents to enjoy during their recovery journey.
The Nottingham Rotary Club sprung into action after hearing moving stories from staff and a former service user at The Level about the impact of the service. The Level offers specialist residential detox with a unique trauma informed therapeutic approach.
Rotary members Paul Jones and Sophie Leadley were inspired to make a difference, leading to a stunning transformation of the women’s garden at The Level creating a calm, uplifting space for residents to enjoy during their recovery journey.
Nottingham Rotary Club members laid new turf, installed raised planters, added a solar water fountain and bird bath, and mounted a hand-painted mural created by Sophie and completed just days before she gave birth. The result is a vibrant and welcoming garden that will bring hope and comfort to the women supported at The Level.
Richard Sparkes, Service Manager at The Level, said: “Having a beautiful area to relax in could be the difference between someone completing their detox or not. The ripple effect of that is huge — families reunited, lives rebuilt, and people staying alive. You might never see the full impact of what you’ve created, but please know how much it means to us.”
Loren Shore, Community Fundraiser at Framework, who organises the Community Network Events, said:“It’s so lovely to see people who’ve never met before come together and connect through stories. Paul and Sophie were so moved by hearing about the amazing work at The Level that it sparked this brilliant idea to create something special for the women there. That’s exactly what our Community Network events are about: bringing people together from all walks of life so we can support the people who need it most.”
Paul Jones, Membership Officer at Nottingham Rotary Club, said: “These are exactly the kind of projects Rotarians love getting involved in. It gives us the chance to use our skills and expertise — and sometimes discover new ones — to deliver something that genuinely impacts people’s lives. Thank you to Framework for the opportunity.”
Sarah Hill, Therapy Team Leader at The Level, said: “From the moment Paul and Sophie came to the Community Network event and heard about The Level, they’ve been so committed to helping. The garden is now an inspiring space that women will truly enjoy — we’re so grateful.”
Residents are already enjoying the garden, with one saying “It’s pretty, it’s cute, I really like going out into that space.”
Framework’s Community Network Events bring together supporters, community groups and local organisations to learn more about the charity’s life-changing services and explore ways to get involved. Each event features a guest speaker from a Framework service and a chance to meet staff, ask questions, and network with others who care about ending homelessness.
To find out more about The Level, go to www.the-level.org