For Volunteers' Week we are highlighting some of our customers, partners and colleagues who give their time to help others and improve their communities.
Peter moved into Dennis Round Court in Alsager last summer. For most of his life he worked in grounds maintenance, and always enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. Suffering with his mental health, he was forced to retire early and it has been a long journey to recovery. Working in the garden and being surrounded by nature and the sounds of wildlife has enabled Peter to heal slowly. He says: “it lifts my mood and gives me a sense of meaning and a reason to get up in the morning…its like medicine”.
Peter has volunteered in the communal garden since March, and along with a few other residents has already made a tremendous difference. Working for about six hours a day, four or sometimes five days a week, he has power-washed the pathways, walls and patios areas, removing weeds and getting rid of areas which could cause residents to slip in bad weather around the whole scheme. He has weeded flower beds, shaped edges, purchased pots and planted areas with shrubs, focusing on areas residents can sit and enjoy a little quiet or some company. Another big job completed was sprucing up the greenhouses to enable other volunteers to use them to grow vegetables and also get the benefits of being outdoors.
Peter is an amazing volunteer and his enthusiasm for getting on with it and making a difference is just amazing – thank you, Peter!
