VOLUNTEERS armed with paint and plants provided a garden makeover for vulnerable young people.

Young people who have faced homelessness and are now living at BCHA’s Felix House in Bournemouth are looking forward to spending summer in their garden, following the revamp by BT employees.

Around 20 staff, all based at Bournemouth Telephone Exchange, assisted with the project.

The group dug, weeded and cleared the garden before sprucing up the flowerbeds, painting the external walls and decking and building a barbecue for the residents.

Pauline Goldsmith, a risk and audit analyst at BT, said: “We are really thrilled that we were able to make such a difference and that the residents now have a garden they can relax in and have social events with their friends.

“I heard that the residents had a barbecue after we left, so it is great to hear that they all love the garden and are already using it.

“We all had a great time, although I think everyone ached the next day.”

Naomi James, BCHA project leader of Felix House, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the lovely volunteers from BT who worked so tirelessly on improving the garden at Felix House.

“They have completely transformed it into such a lovely space for our residents.

“Fingers crossed for a hot summer so residents can get lots of use from our new barbecue.”