New Dots gardening service launches in Ballymena to help older people stay independent

L-R: Jenny Marshall, Executive Director for Community Programmes, William McCaughey, Vice Chair of Agewell, Cora McQuillian, Dots Sales & Marketing Officer, Nigel McKeown, Dots Gardening Home & Life Assistant

A new gardening and outdoor maintenance service has launched in Ballymena, offering practical help to older people and other local residents who may struggle to keep on top of their gardens.

The service has been introduced by Dots, the social enterprise operated by Agewell, and is designed to help people keep outdoor areas safe and manageable while continuing to enjoy living independently at home.

Help with gardens and outdoor jobs

Customers can book Dots for grass cutting, gardening, power washing and other general outdoor maintenance.

While the service is available to local residents, it is particularly aimed at older people for whom physical gardening tasks may have become more difficult.

Jenny Marshall, Executive Director of Community Programmes at Agewell, said:

“We’re really excited to be launching Dots Gardening and Outdoor Maintenance Service in Ballymena. We know that keeping on top of a garden can become more difficult as we get older, and sometimes a small amount of practical help can make a really big difference.

“Our aim through Dots is to provide reliable, friendly services that help people remain independent in their own homes. At the same time, Dots is creating age-friendly employment opportunities and reinvesting income back into our wider work supporting older people across Mid and East Antrim.”

Building on existing home support

Dots already operates a Home and Life Assistant service, providing support with everyday tasks including cleaning, laundry, shopping and companionship.

Adding gardening and outdoor maintenance extends that practical help beyond the home, giving customers another option when everyday jobs become harder to manage themselves.

Dots operates as a social enterprise, with income generated through its services reinvested into Agewell’s wider charitable work supporting older people across Mid and East Antrim.

How to book the new service

Bookings are now being taken for the Gardening and Outdoor Maintenance Service in Ballymena.

Anyone interested in using the service or finding out more can contact the Dots team on 028 2568 9830.