A SPECIAL partnership between Pyramid Shopping Centre and YMCA Wirral has offered the charity's clients a chance to gain life skills through gardening.

The bandstand and St Werburgh Square at the shopping centre were gifted 36 planter supplied by Walkers Nurseries which have been filled with colourful geraniums and lobelia courtesy of volunteers from YMCA Wirral.

All funds from the planters will be re-invested back to the YMCA to keep its various facilities in operation such as its controlled-drinking unit.

Centre manager at the Pyramids Derek Millar said: “The YMCA is an essential organisation for people in crisis and in need of safe, temporary or indefinite accommodation.

"Giving a vulnerable person the chance to build their self-confidence again and learn a new skill in their time of need is incredibly empowering.

“When there are luscious plants and greenery in public spaces, it’s not often that we take the time to consider where they have come from or who carefully put them there.

"The shrubbery adorning key areas around Pyramids may just change that."

Each of the planters are tendered to and watered by five volunteers, some of who are YMCA residents on a weekly basis.

Derek added: “The volunteers have been doing a fantastic job and it’s a pleasure to see them taking pride in making the centre look really summery."

By taking up horticulture, YMCA clients have been able to further their knowledge in learning how to budget and understanding how to apply the same principles in their own lives.

Jackie Miles deputy chief executive at YMCA Wirral who helped to organise the scheme said: “Plant care is just a small part of what our clients have been able to further their knowledge in.

“The therapeutic benefits of gardening are well-known and will help on other deeper levels.

“The specialist unit has really helped to reduce the visibility of street drinkers in the town centre and has made residents feel safer when they’re out and about.

“The YMCA receives no funding and so having Pyramids on board with our cause will really go a long way in helping with the continued running of the YMCA and support for our clients.”