Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allows organisations or companies to make a contribution to the local community or environment in a variety of ways.
Some companies allow staff to volunteer 1-2 days per year, others sponsor events or donate equipment or items.
Here at Lancashire Volunteer Partnership, we have worked with companies and facilitated projects which have made such a difference to so many people.
Volunteers working together to spruce up communal outdoor spaces bring numerous benefits to the community. These efforts enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, making it more inviting, user friendly and enjoyable for residents, clients, families, visitors and staff. A well-maintained garden is a focal point for community activities.
Volunteering itself fosters a strong sense of community and social cohesion. When people come together to work on a common project, they build relationships and strengthen social bonds. This collaborative effort leads to a more connected and supportive community, where individuals feel more engaged and invested in their surroundings. During projects residents, clients and staff have engaged with enthusiasm, putting forward creative ideas.
Maintaining communal gardens through volunteer efforts can have significant environmental benefits. These gardens serve as green spaces which improve air quality, provide habitats for wildlife, and produce their own grown “home grown” food contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Examples of projects carried out so far include digging trenches to plant raspberry bushes; removing an overgrown flowerbed and replanting with vegetables and herbs to be used in the on-site kitchen; tidying up/removing brambles from a sensory garden with a sensory train making it accessible again.
Some of Lancashire County Council establishments already have an LVP gardening volunteer who continues the upkeep of the grounds if a project has been completed at their establishments. One example is Millbanke Day Centre – Alison Handling completed a fantastic project there and now the service users are able to engage with the LVP gardening volunteer and access the outdoor spaces. See below the difference our LVP volunteer makes in supporting everyone in the garden.