For one week, colleagues from Azets, an accountancy and business advisory firm, swapped spreadsheets for paintbrushes as they volunteered at OSJCT Whitefriars Care Home. What followed was an impressive transformation of the home’s outdoor spaces, alongside time spent chatting with residents and getting to know the people who live there.

Over five days, 32 employees from Azets’ nearby office in Peterborough took part, with different colleagues volunteering each day. Colleagues from across the organisation got involved, including members of the leadership team, who rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside their teams.

The timing could not have been more challenging. With temperatures soaring throughout the week, the volunteers didn’t let that stop them!

The team took on an ambitious list of projects. They refreshed fences with bright, welcoming colours and carefully restored memorial benches, giving them a new lease of life while preserving the memories they represent.

One of the biggest achievements was clearing out and revitalising the summer house, creating a welcoming space where residents can now relax and spend time outdoors.

The impact of the work was remarkable. Outdoor areas were refreshed and brightened, creating spaces that residents can enjoy throughout the year. The addition of colour throughout the outdoor spaces was particularly important in the dementia friendly areas, where sensory experiences can play such a valuable role in supporting wellbeing.

The volunteers also brought plenty of creativity to the project. Decorative bees and butterflies were painted onto planters at the front of the home, while an old pallet was cleverly upcycled and transformed into a colourful planter. These personal touches added character and helped make the space feel even more welcoming.

Importantly, this was not just about improving the physical environment. Throughout the week, Azets employees spent time chatting with residents, sharing stories and getting to know them better. Residents joined in with some of the painting projects, creating a real sense of teamwork and shared achievement.

Susan Thirde, Volunteer Manager for Lincolnshire, praised the group’s enthusiasm and commitment:

“The Azets team were a fantastic group of people to work with. Despite the extreme heat, they got stuck into every task with enthusiasm and energy. They worked incredibly hard on the painting and outdoor refresh projects, but they also took the time to chat with residents and build relationships throughout the week. It was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed getting to know people, and the difference they made to the home is incredible.”

The transformation was visible every day as the projects progressed, but it was the before and after comparison that really demonstrated the scale of what had been achieved. The refreshed outdoor spaces, restored features and vibrant colours have created areas that will benefit residents, families and employees for the summer ahead.

Everyone at Whitefriars would like to thank the Azets team for their time, energy and generosity. Their hard work has made a real difference, and it was a pleasure to welcome them to the home.

If your business is looking to support OSJCT through employee volunteering as part of your corporate social responsibility programme, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at volunteer@osjct.co.uk.