HARP Residents Clean Up Southend's War Memorial For Remembrance Day
HARP residents of HARP have been helping to clean up the town’s war memorial ahead of Remembrance Day as part of a project that sees them giving back to the community.
On Friday 8th November, a team of volunteers made up of HARP service users joined Southend Borough Council’s Parks Team to ensure that the famous Cenotaph and the surrounding area is clean and presentable for Remembrance Day activities on Sunday 10th November.
“Staff and residents at HARP are always proud to be part of this project to help make Remembrance Day special,” said Prakash Shah, one of our Project Workers.
“We work closely with the parks team throughout the year but this project is particularly meaningful for us, giving our residents the opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst giving back to the community.”
Remembrance Day preparations included clearing leaves and debris from the area, cleaning and painting the fence posts, and assisting the parks team with gardening duties.
“I enjoy this because it feels like I’m giving something back. It also gets me out and about and keeps me busy.” said Lee, a HARP resident.
Jay, another HARP service user, said: “I enjoy being outside and getting involved in the community. I want to help the people that help me.”
The work at the Cenotaph is part of a wider partnership between HARP and Southend Borough Council’s Parks Team, which sees our residents taking part in activities across the borough, including cleaning and maintenance of the parks, and gardening in allotments.
Amy Helm, Park Warden for Southend Borough Council, said: “It’s important for everyone to be involved in this kind of project because it means so much to so many people. We want to show everyone that people who may be invisible to most of society do care and that they are part of the community just like everybody else. We really take pride in what we do here.”
