The Byrons in Blackley was a buzz of activity as colleagues, contractors and residents came together for the latest Time Out in the Community (TOinC) volunteering event.
The mixed weather didn’t stop the hardy bunch of volunteers as they set out transforming the tired and underused communal garden into a beautiful outdoor space that residents can enjoy for years to come.
Working alongside contractors Fairheat and Broadoak, the team tackled a variety of tasks to give the garden a complete refresh.
Flower beds were renewed, existing furniture was lovingly restored and upcycled, and brand-new furniture was built to create attractive seating areas where residents can relax, socialise and enjoy the outdoors.
The transformation throughout the day was remarkable, but it wasn’t just the garden that benefited.
While some volunteers were hard at work outside, others spent time with residents indoors, hosting bingo sessions and quizzes to help build meaningful connections between colleagues and residents.
It also allowed colleagues from different parts of the business to meet and make connections over lunch.
Colleagues battled the weather to get the job done and a couple of residents, Sheena and Pat, took a quick trip around the garden and gave it a huge thumbs up.
Customer Sheena said: “It’s really marvellous and it’s really nice to see the change. We are really proud of Sophie because she has done such a lot for us since she has been here. It’s a pleasure to go out and sit in the garden.”
Another customer, Pat, added: “It’s absolutely wonderful and I can’t thank Great Places staff enough. For them to volunteer to come down and do all this is lovely. It will make a big difference to us.”
