The team at our Beckenham centre were approached by the Friends of Cator and Alexandra Parks, a local voluntary organisation that promotes the parks as places of healing and recreation, and asked if we could provide some volunteers to assist with maintenance work on park benches, litter picking, and general upkeep of the park. The proposal was put to the residents and they were all keen to get involved.
Early start
The group set off early one Saturday and headed to meet Millie from the voluntary organisation and her team in Cator Park. The team were prepared to do whatever was asked of them without complaint and were delighted to be giving something back in the very borough where they are receiving treatment from Gordon Moody.
Hard work
After two hours of hard work on a hot summer’s day, the team were done and left with Millie and her team’s words of praise ringing in their ears. Millie said:
“The team were brilliant. One litter picked round the park, one tidied all around the benches, and three were sanding down the oiling on the slats of the benches. We really couldn’t have done all that without them today. They really are super.”
Accomplishment
On Monday morning following their exploits, the team were speaking positively about the experience and were all keen to do more in the local community. The skills learnt when volunteering are something they can take with them when they leave treatment, fully in the knowledge that they can give back to others and for it to be mutually beneficial.
Relationship building
It is wonderful that the team of residents from Beckenham were able to assist with the maintenance and the relationship between the team at Gordon Moody and the Friends of Cator and Alexandra Parks means future residents will be able to experience the benefits of giving back to the local community.