1st - 7th June 2008 National Volunteers Week.

SeeAbility had a busy week this year with a range of things going on - some focussed on volunteers doing things and others on recognising and thanking volunteers.

Denecroft

On Tuesday 3rd June, a team of five staff from BUPA joined us for a day as part of their 'community connections' volunteering commitment. Despite the rain, they completed a mini makeover of the garden, weeding paths, painting the pergola and potting up some plants for the patio. We are most grateful for their continued support.

Heather House

At Heather House we held a thank you 'coffee and cake' morning for our amazing volunteers.  Many of them visit on different days and so often don't see one another. The coffee morning provided a great opportunity to get together and catch up. We were also able to welcome two of our newest volunteers so they could meet the rest of the team.

Our gardening volunteers brought in some home grown pot plants which provided a great opportunity for people to stock up on plants grown her at Heather House. 

During the morning we were joined by some of our residents who presented each volunteer with a hand made picture frame, which had been made at the Penney Centre (in secret). This special thank you let our volunteers know just how much they do for us throughout the year.

Leatherhead

On Wednesday 4th June 2008 a team of seven staff from disability insurance company Unum based in Dorking, arrived at Reeves Court to take on a rather 'long' team challenge.

The aim for the Dorking staff was to paint two 30 foot long fences that bound the gardens of Flat 1 Reeves Court. After a busy morning, the team took a welcome lunch break and relaxed in the sunny weather. By mid afternoon, one half of the fence was completed and it was time to put in the finishing touches.  As time was running short, the team were only able to patch paint the remaining fence panels, but the overall effect was fabulous. A job well done.

On Thursday 5th June a second team of seven staff from Unum in Dorking arrived at SeeAbility's supported living houses in Church Walk, Leatherhead. After a busy morning spent pruning back overhanging branches and ivy, repairing a footpath and some painting, the team took a welcome lunch break.  By mid afternoon, all the jobs were complete. Two coats of paint had been applied to the front gates, the wooden side gates had been painted and the garden handrail had been cleaned and repainted. The garden looked much improved. Another excellent team from Unum. Thank you.

Exeter

To celebrate we presented a bouquet of flowers to Kate, one of our volunteers. Despite being a busy mum and carer, Kate has been a regular volunteer since November 2007.  This remarkable woman has just one free morning each week and chooses to spend it volunteering with one of our residents. Kate provides manicures and massage therapy. Thank you Kate.

Thank you to all the companies who came along to our centres and helped make the week such a success. A huge thank you to all our volunteers who give their time so freely and who's help makes such a difference to the people who live at SeeAbility centres. We look forward to an even bigger and better week's activity in 2009!