Six of the seven volunteers were familiar faces, having previously visited the home as part of an ongoing volunteering partnership. The team aims to return twice a year, with two members so enthusiastic about their visits that they have even asked whether they could squeeze in a third!

This latest visit focused on preparing the gardens for the colder months, with volunteers clearing weeds, deadheading perennials and tidying flowerbeds to ensure the outdoor spaces remain welcoming and enjoyable for residents.

Their efforts provided more than 25 additional hours of gardening support in a single day, making an enormous difference to Edwardstow Court’s small team of regular garden volunteers.

More Than Just Gardening, while the practical support is invaluable, the partnership has grown into something much more meaningful, bringing together residents, staff and volunteers through shared experiences, laughter and friendship.

With each visit, the Network Rail team has become increasingly confident in spending time with residents living with dementia, developing a greater understanding of how to communicate and build connections with people who may find it difficult to express themselves.

For volunteers with little previous experience of dementia, these interactions provide valuable opportunities to develop confidence, empathy and understanding.

The positive impact was particularly evident during this visit when one resident was delighted to see the volunteers working so enthusiastically in the gardens. Clearly moved by their kindness and hard work, she made a special effort to thank each of them personally.

Moments like these demonstrate how community volunteering can make a difference beyond the practical tasks being undertaken, helping residents feel connected to the wider community and creating meaningful opportunities for social interaction.

Corporate partnerships play an important role in helping care homes remain connected to the wider community, bringing fresh energy, new friendships and valuable opportunities for residents to engage with people from different backgrounds and generations. For residents, particularly those living with dementia, regular visits from familiar volunteers can help build trust, reduce feelings of isolation and create a greater sense of belonging. These partnerships also offer businesses meaningful opportunities to give back to their communities, while helping employees develop empathy and a greater understanding of older people’s lives. The ongoing relationship between Network Rail and Edwardstow Court demonstrates how corporate volunteering can grow beyond a single day of practical support into lasting friendships that enrich the lives of residents, staff and volunteers alike.

At Edwardstow Court, maintaining strong relationships with local organisations is an important part of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where residents continue to enjoy connections with people of different ages and backgrounds.

For residents living with dementia, familiar faces, shared activities and positive social interactions can be particularly valuable. Regular visits help build trust and recognition, while spending time outdoors and watching the gardens change with the seasons can encourage conversation, stimulate memories and support emotional wellbeing.

Matthew Peach, Home Manager at Edwardstow Court, said: 

It is always a pleasure to welcome our friends from Network Rail back to Edwardstow Court. Their continued commitment to supporting our home is truly appreciated, and the difference they make goes far beyond keeping our gardens looking beautiful. What makes this partnership so special is the genuine friendships that have developed between the volunteers and our residents. Seeing their confidence grow when spending time with residents living with dementia is particularly rewarding, and it means so much to our residents to see familiar faces returning. We are incredibly grateful for their time, energy and enthusiasm. They have become part of our extended Edwardstow Court family, and we are already looking forward to welcoming them back in the spring!

After a busy day in the gardens, the volunteers were treated to Edwardstow Court’s renowned hospitality, with the kitchen team preparing a delicious spread of sandwiches, freshly baked sausage rolls, chips, salad and an assortment of cakes.

It was a fitting way to thank the team for their continued generosity, enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.

As the volunteers packed away their gardening tools, there was already excitement about their next visit in spring. Edwardstow Court extends its heartfelt thanks to all seven Network Rail volunteers for their hard work, friendship and continued support.

With six successful visits behind them, the home is already looking forward to welcoming the team back for visit number seven!