Volunteers from Nationwide Building Society in Bournemouth visited Lily’s Place, the children’s respite home operated by Diverse Abilities, to help spruce up the garden. 

The group of nine volunteers spent the day weeding, pruning, maintaining the planters, and giving the fences and gates a fresh lick of paint ready for the summer. 

The volunteers from Nationwide said: “We’ve volunteered for Diverse Abilities before, helping with a couple of the Supported Living bungalows in area. It’s great to be back as we’ve not been able to volunteer during the pandemic. We’re not gardening experts, but it’s amazing what you can achieve when a group of people get together, and afterwards you can see what a difference you’ve made and that we are doing our little bit.

“We’ve all been working from home since the pandemic, so it’s the first time the whole team has got together in over two years. The team has expanded too, so it’s the first time some have met in person. It’s not quite the same on Zoom!”

Lily’s Place is Diverse Abilities’ short break children’s home, which is fully equipped to provide overnight respite care for up to four children and young people with complex physical and/or learning difficulties. In addition to those coming for overnight visits, the charity is also able to provide day care sessions at weekends and during school holidays, as well as visits after school in term time.

Laura Stanley, fundraising administrator at Diverse Abilities, added: “We’re always on the lookout for companies and community groups to get involved with sprucing up our services and keeping them in top shape for the children and adults we support each day. The team from Nationwide have worked really hard to tidy up and brighten the garden ready for the children to enjoy over the summer months”. 

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/corporate-volunteers for more details on corporate volunteering opportunities or visit diverseabilities.org.uk/lilys-place for more details about the respite home and its services.