Staff volunteered for a number of roles including working on reception, spending the day as a support worker, maintenance operative or housekeeper, or supporting occupational therapy groups.
It provided an opportunity for colleagues who might not otherwise meet to connect, work in partnership, and learn about each other, and have fun!
Some of our volunteers reported on their experiences and what they learnt from working with different colleagues.
Jenny Gibson, HR Director, said, “I had the pleasure in joining the team at Beckly in Halifax and had a really good day. The team were very welcoming and had me busy very quickly. Anyone who hasn’t ever spent time working in a service, I would definitely recommend it. There’s a lot you can learn, even in a day, and it is a really good reminder of why we are here as a company.”
Kristy Watters, Head of Employee Relations, said, “I went to St Teilo House for the day. It’s somewhere I used to go quite regularly but due to a change in job role and then COVID, I’ve not been for quite a few years. I absolutely loved seeing some familiar faces, but also doing a different hands-on job of housekeeping, reception and spending time supporting some service users was really rewarding. I was reminded why we do what we do.”
Troy Winfield, HR Business Partner, said, “I was excited to have the opportunity to visit Cygnet Oaks to work as a volunteer. I spent time with the reception team greeting visitors, answering the phones, binding booklets and supporting with other ad-hoc tasks which the team would usually complete. Every day I am inspired by those who go above and beyond to achieve the best outcomes for those in our care. I just wanted to extend a huge thank you to all those within Cygnet for all that you do to ensure we have a positive impact.”
Joanne Lunn, Training Manager, said: “I worked two days at Outwood, a residential service in Leeds. Everyone was amazing and I received a really warm welcome. On Tuesday I helped support one of the residents to a GP appointment followed by a ride out to some lovely woodland where we went for a long walk. After working up an appetite we stopped off for Fish and Chips on the way home!”
“The service has a very positive feel with lots of activities happening. It really has been a pleasure to work alongside so many wonderful people and would like to mention Tessa who was working on both days and never seemed to sit down, always on the go and always had a smile.”
Helen Gent, Marketing Manager, said, “The staff team at Redlands were fantastic – what a great bunch of people who work so hard every day to support the 5 men who live there. I was blown away by their dedication and the way they care so much for each resident and their individual needs.
“Throughout the day I helped to prepare lunch, did a couple of jigsaws with a resident, played armchair catch with a resident, helped a resident to clean his bedroom and change his bedding, and supported a couple of residents in the community. Thank you Redlands for accepting me into your home for the day.”
Thank you to all the staff who volunteered to take part in this initiative and to all the services that made them feel so welcome!