PCH staff gave up their time to spend a day at Camels Head Supported Housing Scheme in September and help residents maintain the gardens around their homes.
The initiative was made possible through Plymouth Community Homes’ Make A Difference scheme, which allows staff to take up to three days per year to spend on voluntary work, helping them learn new skills and give back to worthy causes.
Here, PCH Graphic Designer Ell McDonough explains what the day involved after they took part.
Ell writes:
Organised by Community Development Officer Ryan Huws, staff from across PCH, including the teams for Strategy, Data & Insight, Asset Strategy & Delivery, Procurement, Tenancy Management, and Communications (I did my bit too!), as well as a member of staff from one of our contractors, Bradfords Building Supplies, as part of their social value commitment, all pitched in to help get the job done.
Our task for the day was to pull up all the weeds that had grown out during the summer months. Armed with forks and trowels, we spent the morning digging away and tidying up the stretch of garden in front of the homes on Carlton Terrace.
Laura Haynes, Head of Asset Strategy Delivery & Sustainability, said: “When I saw the opportunity come up, I thought it was an exciting opportunity to work with colleagues, making a real difference to our residents in the community.”
Andrew Barrett, Business Improvement Analyst, said: “I'm a firm believer in getting out into the community, meeting residents and getting involved because when we deal with the data, there's always somebody's lives on the end of that.”
After a few hours of hard work, we were treated to a delicious buffet lunch, and a good chat with some of the residents of the scheme. I spoke to Pat and Bernie, who told me what they thought of the gardening days.
Pat said: “When the people come down to do the garden days, I like to go over and help in the hall where they have their teas and coffees. I do enjoy them coming down, we have a good natter.”
Bernie said: “I thought you’ve done marvellous up there. I’m 90 next year and it’s too much for me now.”
After lunch, we returned to the garden to finish the weeding and tidy up, leaving a refreshed space for residents to enjoy.
