Council workers spruce up care home garden with a lick of paint
Members of Swindon Borough Council’s Communications team brandished their brushes and put their painting skills to the test last week as they helped to brighten up the garden of a care home.
Published: Monday, 19th August 2019
The Council allows its employees to undertake 15 hours of volunteer work a year, and last Thursday’s (15 August) activities saw the Comms team use a portion of their hours to help out at Whitbourne House, a Council-run care home for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The task involved seven members of the Comms team and two from Policy, Performance and Research giving the fence around the perimeter of the garden a new lick of paint.
Whitbourne House, in Park South, is due to host its Summer Fete on Saturday, 7 September and staff were hoping the fence could be completed in time.
Emma Pocock, the Comms team member who organised the volunteering day, said: “We had a fantastic day helping the staff at Whitbourne House and it was very rewarding to be able to do something positive for the residents.
“We think that giving people the time to take part in voluntary activities is beneficial for the individuals involved and for the Council as a whole.”
Claire Pender, Business Support Advisor at Whitbourne House, said: “We really appreciate the effort that everyone made. We run a vital service that cares for people who are extremely vulnerable and we don’t always get the chance to do some of the odd jobs that need doing around the home.
“That’s where the volunteers come in, and we are grateful for their support. Of course, you don’t need to be a Council employee to help us out with a few jobs. We appreciate any support we can get and if anybody would like to volunteer just a few hours here and there, they would be welcomed with open arms.”
Whitbourne House’s Fete, which takes place in September, will see the residents and their families taking part in a whole host of activities – from enjoying a barbecue and a singalong to a raffle and so much more.
They are on the lookout for any exciting raffle prizes, so if people have some items to spare, they will be gratefully received.
Items for donation can be dropped into Whitbourne House on Whitbourne Avenue between 9am and 3pm or by calling on 01793 464640 to arrange a time.