Memorial Garden

The idea was to improve an unused piece of wasteland in the grounds of 222 Vic Rd and turn it into a memorial garden creating a quiet reflective space where the homeless community can remember lost loved ones from the community and from their personal lives. The garden is freely accessible to non-residents of 222 Victoria Rd.

Why they need our service

The average age of death of a homeless person in Cambridge is 44 years old. In the year preceeding this project 21 members of the street community died in Cambridge (approx 10%). It is often difficult for homeless people to attend the funerals of relatives and friends leaving them unable to process their grief through this important stage in the grieving process.

Plan and expected results

Cambridge Link-Up members worked on all aspects of creating the garden and we secured major materials sponsorship from Travis Perkins as well as founding from the Cambridgeshire Foundation. The garden was officially opened on July 4th 2009 and a related project created the ceramic Sanctuary Tower as a centrepiece for the garden. Link-Up continues to maintain the garden.

Latest activities and projects

World Homeless Day 10/10/10

World Homeless Day Discovery Trail including places featured in 'Stuart: a life backwards' by Alexander Masters, the Cambridge Link-Up Memorial Garden, rough sleeping sites and an exhibition of artwork by homeless artists at the Leper Chapel on Newmarket Rd. Refreshments and comfort stops will be available at Wintercomfort for the homeless and Jimmy's Nightshelter. Trail Maps can be purchased for £5 from the Link-Up Stall on Midsummer Common. 11 - 5pm read more

Build Your Own Bike Project

We ran 8 one day workshops at the Trailer Trash workshops at Eastern Court. Participants were provided with the tools and bicycle parts and skilled advice to enable them to build their own bike. On completion everyone received a bike lock and set of lights.  read more

Memorial Garden

The idea was to improve an unused piece of wasteland in the grounds of 222 Vic Rd and turn it into a memorial garden creating a quiet reflective space where the homeless community can remember lost loved ones from the community and from their personal lives. The garden is freely accessible to non-residents of 222 Victoria Rd.  read more