Volunteers help make sure Hospice’s garden is spick and span

The Hospice’s outdoor spaces received some TLC today (March 22, 2023) thanks to Barclays Wealth and Investments’ East of Region Team, who rolled up their sleeves and volunteered for us.

The 18-strong team spent the day rejuvenating some of our garden furniture and clearing up our grounds.

The team’s volunteering with the Hospice was coordinated by Richard Pearce.

Richard decided he wanted to do something to support St Nic’s after hearing our Corporate Fundraiser, Lee Graham, speak at the Suffolk Business Leader Lunch.

Richard said: “We were impassioned to hear the story about the Hospice’s work and its efforts to extend its reach in the community it serves.

“We feel lucky to work for a company like Barclays that allows us to use our time in such an engaging way.

“We look forward to working more with the charity, and we will encourage others to contact the Hospice to do the same.”

The Hospice’s grounds are regularly enjoyed by those staying on our ward, their loved ones and visitors, as well as providing a place where staff and volunteers can enjoy some fresh air and space.

Lee said: “We are so grateful to Richard and all of the East of Region Team for their efforts. They might not have always had the weather on their side, but to see what everyone has achieved is fantastic.

“At the Hospice, our garden is so important to us.

“Our ward backs onto the garden, which means that even if patients can’t go outside, many can enjoy the view. The improvements to the furniture also mean that people will have more comfortable places to sit whilst enjoying the calm of the garden too.

“We often get comments from those we care for and their loved ones about the garden, and how much of a difference it makes to them, so the work the team have done really does mean a lot.”

Christopher Plumb, the Hospice’s Facilities Manager, added: “The work carried out today has been valuable as manpower is always thin on the ground for paid staff.

“Getting some eager volunteers to carry out this work has helped prepare our garden area for the spring and summer.

“Without the support from volunteers, we would struggle to get this work done for the good and benefit of patients, visitors and staff alike.”