AN environmental project has certainly lightened up life for Carl Price.

He has a learning disability and is getting help at a council centre in the Swansea Valley.

But Birchgrove Special Needs Day Service is itself getting help from a re-launched Swansea charity, Snips.

Special Needs Improvement Projects Swansea took over from its previous incarnation, the Family Support Group, at the beginning of the month and is already making its mark.

Carl is one of those to benefit. The sensory garden being created in Birchgrove is something he loves.

Trees have been cut down, opening up the site and ridding it of its gloomy appearance.

"He loves the light and all the reflections," said chairman Francis Hubbard. "The building was dull and dark and he is fascinated by the changes."

The charity put in an application for Local Environmental Quality with the Assembly and got funding to develop a sensory garden.

Work is progressing well enough for a March completion and the garden and day service is no longer surrounded by 40ft conifers blocking out the light.

Raised borders with pathways leading through to a willow tunnel are currently being developed. When it is completed it will allow access in all weathers and seasons to a large open space that promises to be well used. Those taking the air there will benefit in many ways.

It will give a real sensory experience with high light and sunshine, natural warmth as well as breezes, the sound of the wind, and the colour and smell of plants.

"The positive effects on their wellbeing will be very significant," said Mr Hubbard.

A Christmas Fair in Sketty to kick-started Snips and the festive spirit shown by families, carers, staff and volunteers was the perfect launch pad for the reborn charity.

"It was a successful and festive occasion, with stalls and raffle draws," he said. "Thanks to individuals and local businesses that donated raffle prizes. Thanks also to all those who helped and supported us to raise money for Snips."

It aims to provide facilities and services not normally provided by the council's social services department at seven of its venues.

The back-up is given at day units in Birchgrove, Trewaren in Llangefelach, Maesglas in Gendros and Parkways in Sketty, and at three respite centres, Acacia Road in West Cross, Alexander Road, Gorseinon, and Glan-y-Afon Gardens in Sketty.

Membership of the Snips association is open to families, staff, carers and those who use or have used the service. Also eligible are families and carers of children with a learning disability who are approaching school leaving age and who are likely to use the services in the future.

"For the New Year and beyond we look forward to helping with further projects and providing resources that will help develop new opportunities for the people we support," said Mr Hubbard.

Assistant secretary Janet George- Whitcombe took up the theme and one big aim is to follow the lead at Birchgrove and create gardens at all the day centres and the respite centres.

"Our goals are to raise enough money to set up sensory gardens in four day units and three respite centres for disabled adults in our local community," she said.

"We would really appreciate all the help and support we can get.

"A lot of people forget that a disabled child grows up to be an adult and their disability is for life.

"I know that all concerned would get great enjoyment from the gardens and would make their lives a lot happier.

"Some of their parents cannot afford to do it in their own garden or take them out on nature walks."

And the public can help officials achieve that dream.

"We are looking for plants, wind chimes, bird tables, flags, flag poles, an approximate six feet high funnel on a pole where the wind can blow," said Janet.

"Also we would like to throw in multicoloured pond water features and building materials to help raise flower beds.

"We will be doing fundraising car boot sales in Singleton Hospital car park on March 12 and at Stormy Down Market, Bridgend, on March 13."

If you want to help Snips email Francis.Hubbard.@swansea.gov.uk or ring 01792 792160/207005.