24th August 2022
Sanctuary
Volunteers from housing provider Sanctuary spent two days at a Worcester disability charity, helping with painting and DIY.
Worcester Snoezelen offers multi-sensory leisure therapy to people of all ages with learning disabilities and additional needs.
Since 2019, members of Sanctuary’s technology team have been lending their skills to the charity for two days each year through Sanctuary’s Employee Volunteering Scheme.
What started with employee volunteering has become a labour of love, with staff contributing their own time tools and materials, and looking forward to returning to the charity. The team of 10, led by Discovery and Design Manager Paul Hinett, have been repairing wheelchair ramps, sanding back surfaces and giving everything a fresh lick of paint.
Members of Sanctuary’s executive team visited Snoezelen this week to find out more about the centre and see the volunteers in action.
Craig Moule, Group Chief Executive, Kevin Heslop, Chief Information Officer, and Peter Martin, Group Managing Director – Development, were given a tour of the facilities by Snoezelen staff and met Megan Chorley, a Sanctuary resident who attends Snoezelen as a client.
Colin Williams shows Peter Martin how to tune up a piano bench while Kevin Heslop (centre) and volunteers look on.
Kevin said: “I’m really proud of Paul and the team and the fantastic work they’ve carried out for Worcester Snoezelen. It was great to see the difference their efforts have made and to hear what a rewarding experience it was for all.
During their visit, the volunteers also presented Snoezelen with new garden decorations, bright, comfy cushions and sensory items, all funded through Sanctuary’s Community Investment programme.
Jane Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Worcester Snoezelen, commented: “We’re so grateful for everything Paul and the team do for us.
“It’s great to have them back each year, and to know they’re going to do the best job possible. The wind spinners, chimes and decorations they brought were a lovely surprise and have been making all of the staff and clients smile as they walk out into the garden.”
