Housing Plus Group colleagues enjoy the wellbeing benefits of volunteering
This Stress Awareness Month, we’ve been encouraging our colleagues to get involved in their local communities and help look after their mental wellbeing.
Housing Plus Group provides all colleagues with corporate volunteering days that allow them to support a cause that they’re passionate about.
Colleagues from across our group have been enjoying the mood-boosting effects of giving back to their communities. Some have been helping out at local food banks, supporting community projects or volunteering with different charities.
The procurement team recently used their Giving Back Days to revamp the garden at one of our Retirement Living Schemes.
Matt, Alexis, Jas, Olly and Nathan renovated the garden shed and injected some colour into the communal garden at the scheme. They were also supported by our retrofit contractor Broad Oak who constructed a new path and base for the shed and Jewson who kindly provided the materials, a new bench, flowers and lent a helping hand on the day.
Procurement Business Partner, Alexis, said: “We’ve loved doing this as a team today, it’s been really good to get out of the office and the weather has been perfect.
“It’s been great to get stuck in with a project and to work with Jewson and Broad Oak. Working in the procurement team, everything we do is to ensure we’re getting value for money and social value for the community and for our residents, so it’s been brilliant to follow that through today and for the residents to see us doing the work and getting our hands dirty.”
Resident at the scheme, Claire, says seeing the procurement team helping to revamp the garden has made people smile.
She said: “I think it’s fantastic, I wasn’t expecting them to be doing so much, I just thought they would be moving the garden shed.
“It’s nice to see people from the office coming out to the scheme and the work they’ve done is going to encourage more residents to go out a bit more on days like this.
“It’s made a few people smile today. It’s been nice to see.”
As well as providing materials for the work, volunteers from Jewson also got stuck in with the Procurement team on the day.
Connor Boyd, from Jewson Partnership Solutions, added: “To be able to donate materials to Housing Plus Group for community work and to be given the time to come and give them a helping hand just shows how strong of a partnership there is between Housing Plus Group and Jewson Partnership Solutions. It gives us a great sense of pride.”
Customer Voice Co-ordinator, Kathryn, chose to spend her volunteering days with a furry friend.
“I’ve been volunteering with the Cinnamon Trust alongside my nine-year-old daughter, Emily,” said Kathryn. “Together, we walk a gorgeous four-year-old collie called Buddy every weekend. It’s become a lovely routine for us.”
The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that helps people in later life or with mobility issues to keep their beloved pets at home by connecting them with volunteers who can help with day-to-day pet care.
“As a family, we can’t commit to having a dog of our own right now, so this has been a perfect way to enjoy doggy time while doing something meaningful,” she explained. “We’ve been walking Buddy for over a year now and it’s become something we all look forward to.”
Volunteering with the Cinnamon Trust has also offered an unexpected benefit: quality time in nature.
“It gets us out of the house and into the outdoors, which is such a good way to reset,” said Kathryn. “Walking is a great way to switch off for a while, breathe in some fresh air and just enjoy the moment.”
Her daughter Emily loves teaching Buddy new tricks and giving him lots of well-deserved fuss. “Buddy soaks up all the attention,” Kathryn laughed. “It’s such a joy to see them together.”
In addition to regular walks, Kathryn also helps the charity assess new dogs and match them with volunteers, making sure each pet is placed with someone suitable.
“I’ve had the chance to meet even more beautiful dogs and help match them with people who can give them the care and walks they need,” she added. “Knowing you’re helping someone keep their companion at home is incredibly rewarding.”
