SPEN Volunteers Help Oswestry Hospital Bloom
Volunteers from Avove use their gardening skills to help uplift patients
At Avove, we are committed to making a positive impact on the residents of the communities in which we live and work. Find out how our Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) Vegetation Management team supported residents at Oswestry Hospital.
Uplifting patients at a local hospital
A group of volunteers, from our Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) Vegetation Management team, spent the day at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, taking on the task of preparing the ground for a flower-lined nature trail and planting seeds to uplift patients in their recovery and encourage them to spend some time in the great outdoors.
The hospital had signed up for Operation Pollination in 2022, so the team, led by John Luker, SPEN Project Manager, was contributing to an already established commitment to improving the local environment.
It’s great to see our colleagues using their volunteering day to give something back and to hear about the impact that this has on the community.
Making a positive difference
John and his colleagues, Roger Woof, Darren Jones, Charlie Turner, Jacob Forkin, and Fergus McGoldrick, started by clearing overgrown grass and weeds, then preparing the ground and sowing wildflower seeds to create a beautiful and calming environment for all to enjoy.
Reflecting on their experience, our volunteers said:
“To volunteer at this hospital, which has been used by many colleagues through the years, allows me to give back and contribute to the wellbeing of our local community. You also get to feel that you’ve made a positive difference in someone’s life, even in a small way, which brings a sense of fulfilment and purpose.”
John Luker | SPEN Project Manager
“A very enjoyable day was had by all. Staff and patients alike thanked us for our input, and we received warm thanks from the managers and the director. We all look forward to revisiting the hospital in summer when hopefully, our efforts will be there for all to see. A big thanks to all the lads who helped throughout the day – it was nice to feel part of a team when I normally work on my own.”
Darren Jones | Utility Arboricultural Surveyor
Going the extra mile
The team send a big thank you to Melanie Bygrave, and Victoria Sugden at RJAH Trust, for allowing them the opportunity to carry out this voluntary work for such a worthwhile cause.
Victoria Sugden, the charity director, said: “We would really like to congratulate and celebrate the incredible efforts of the dedicated team from Avove. It was absolutely incredible what they were able to achieve in just one day! Their enthusiasm, diligence, and readiness to go the extra mile, even to tasks unforeseen, exemplify the very best of community spirit and generosity. Their kindness and hard work epitomise what good volunteering is all about. Thank you!”
Our Commitment to Community Giving
As a company, we love giving back to the communities in which we work and live. One way we do this is by volunteering to support good causes that protect the environment, increase social mobility, and promote mental health and wellbeing.