Mayor opens new wellbeing garden at Mahdlo Youth Zone

left to right: Genna Booth, Yvonne Smith, Paul Byrne and John Walmsley (The Casey Group); Oldham’s Mayor Councillor Eddie Moores and the Lady Mayoress Kath Moores; and Lucy Lees and Jake Ankers (Mahdlo Youth Zone)

Councillor Eddie Moores opened the garden on Tuesday 28 April.

Mahdlo Youth Zone said the space has been created to help young people spend more time outdoors, connect with nature and learn practical skills.

The garden will support activities including growing fruit and vegetables, outdoor learning sessions and group work aimed at improving wellbeing and confidence.

The project was funded and built by The Casey Group, a founding patron of Mahdlo Youth Zone.

It marks Mahdlo’s 15th year and has turned a previously underused site into a new outdoor space for young people.

A contractor who helped build the garden has since returned to Mahdlo as a regular volunteer.

Lucy Lees, Chief Executive Officer of Mahdlo Youth Zone, said “As we celebrate Mahdlo’s 15th anniversary, it feels significant to open this new garden which represents growth in opportunity, wellbeing and connection for our young people.

“We are so grateful to The Casey Group for making this project possible, and to the Mayor for officially opening it today.

“I’m so pleased to hear that a builder who helped create the garden has seen the work we do at Mahdlo and has been inspired to return as a volunteer.

“This shows how people and organisations across Oldham can come together to support our young people.”

John Walmsley, Social Impact Executive at The Casey Group, said “We’re proud to support Mahdlo Youth Zone with the creation of this new outdoor space, transforming an underused area into something that young people can truly benefit from.

“This project reflects our commitment to Improving Lives in Oldham, not through words, but through meaningful, lasting action.

“By working in partnership with organisations like Mahdlo, we’re helping to create safe, inclusive environments where young people can connect, grow, and feel part of their community.”