One of the most valuable gifts a business can give is time. When a company chooses to step away from day-to-day work and spend time volunteering in one of our care homes, the impact is felt on every level. Residents enjoy seeing new faces, homes benefit from extra help on big projects, and volunteers return to work with the satisfaction of making a real difference.

That’s exactly what happened recently at Edwardstow Court Care Centre in Stow-on-the Wold, when the team welcomed back a group of volunteers from Network Rail. This was the company’s fourth visit to the home, and once again they came ready to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

The group spent the day working in the gardens, helping to prepare the grounds for winter and tackling jobs that would otherwise have taken weeks. Beds were cleared, plants divided and replanted, and borders tidied for the coming season. Some of the team also turned their hand to heavier work, supporting the creation of a brand-new footpath linking the front and back gardens. This new pathway will make life easier for residents, particularly those using wheelchairs or walking frames, by providing a smooth and accessible route

True to Edwardstow tradition, chef Ellen made sure the team were well fuelled, serving up one of her famous lunches and topping it off with a giant homemade cake. By the end of the afternoon, the gardens had been transformed, with progress made far beyond expectations.

A big thank you also goes to Fosseway Tool Hire Ltd, who generously loaned equipment free of charge. Their support, alongside the enthusiasm of the Network Rail team, helped make the new accessible path possible.

Residents also enjoyed watching the activity from their windows, waving and cheering the volunteers on as they worked. The volunteers returned to work knowing they were valued and that they’ve created something that truly matters. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Know a business looking for something fun and rewarding to do for a day? We have opportunities across all our homes. To register your interest, contact the Volunteering team.