Residents and colleagues at The Lakes Care Centre in South Cerney were delighted to welcome members of the OSJCT Commercial and Procurement Team for a Team Wellbeing Day, helping to refresh and brighten the home’s much-loved gardens.

The initiative was organised by Claire Walters, Head of Procurement, who earlier this summer took part as a judge in the Trust in Bloom gardening competition for the Trust’s Private Collection homes, of which The Lakes is a part. During her visit, Claire saw some areas which could benefit from a little TLC – such as repainting benches and planters, tidying up flower beds, and giving the pergolas a new lease of life.

On the day, nine colleagues from the team joined forces to make those improvements a reality. Tasks included repainting benches and planters, building new ones, replanting bulbs, and cutting back lavender and verbena. The cut lavender and verbena will be put to good use too – with residents taking part in activities over the coming months to help them “bring the outside indoors” through crafts and sensory experiences.

Residents were keen to get involved in the day’s work, with Mike and others sharing gardening tips and lending a hand.

The team’s efforts were supported by generous donations. Claire’s father and team member Laura Green both provided plants, while Travis Perkins in Swindon, led by General Manager Graham Duddridge, kindly donated paint, brushes, and pots to help the project along.

Claire Walters said:
“It was wonderful to return to The Lakes with my team and give something back. The garden is such an important part of the home, and it was lovely to see everyone working together to create something residents will enjoy.”

Nikkie Millar, Home Manager at The Lakes, added:
“We are so grateful to Claire and the Commercial and Procurement Team for choosing The Lakes for their Team Wellbeing Day. The garden is a real asset to our home, and the residents will truly appreciate the care and attention it has received.”

This special day highlighted the value of coming together to support our homes. Already, the garden looks brighter and more welcoming – a space that residents, families, and visitors will enjoy for months to come.