Employability Project

Eversheds - Giving a helping hand...

The Eversheds team

A group of twelve eager employees from Eversheds (Newcastle) undertook a full day community project at Able2 Adult Services, part of the Percy Hedley Foundation. On Friday 19th June, the team worked on a variety of tasks within the horticulture department including pruning shrubs, shredding garden waste and fence painting. A number of volunteers worked on maintaining a willow structure in the grounds, one of the main attractions of horticulture.

Barry Dobey, acting manager of Adult Services said: "The team focused on a number of areas in our grounds that are inaccessible for our service users and residents to maintain. Not only did they produce a high standard of work, enhancing all the areas they assisted with, they also showed a genuine interest in the services we provide for disabled people."

Joe Ayton, Employability Officer for Able2, helped organise the project with Sarah Donaghy and Helen Roberts from Eversheds. Joe was there on the day to rally everyone along and offer tours of the services (based in Forest Hall) for every volunteer involved. Joe explained: "I work for the Employability Project within Able2 Adult Services and we're always looking for new ways for employers to engage with the Percy Hedley Foundation. Facilitating volunteering in the community not only provides the practical benefits, it also provides a fantastic platform for organisations to learn from and work with, each other."

Eversheds team leader Sarah agreed: "We all enjoyed the day very much although it was hard work! It was good to meet service users and look around the facilities. We're grateful for the opportunity to develop as a team and, of course, learn more about the Percy Hedley Foundation at the same time."

If you'd like more information on any of the above, please contact Joe Ayton at the Employability Project office on: 0191 281 7532, or if you would prefer email: j.ayton@percyhedley.org.uk.