Creating space for a community to thrive
Over the last three weeks, VolkerLaser colleagues have been transforming an outdoor space for a charity based in Birmingham.
Our specialist team working on National Highways’ P76 project in Oldbury have built up a relationship with representatives from the Active Wellbeing Society during the course of the project, having previously donated planters and excess timber.
The Active Wellbeing Society is a community benefit group, who work with communities where inequalities are at their highest. They aim to tackle inequality, share resources and deliver a wide range of free activities and services aimed at improving wellbeing at an individual and community level.
The charity approached the team for support in revamping the centre’s outdoor space. In its current state, the area couldn’t be fully enjoyed as the ground was uneven and the vegetation had become overgrown, making many areas hard to access. After assessing the space, the team proposed the installation of a concrete footpath and landscaping works to the surrounding grounds to create a safe and welcoming space for exercise and outdoor activities.
Works started just after the August bank holiday and completed this week. As well as the footpath and landscaping works, the team also added bird boxes, insect habitats, donated flowers and gave the existing benches a fresh coat of paint.
Project manager, Simon Dhillon, said: “Supporting the Active Wellbeing Society and helping bring their vision for the outdoor space to life has been a truly rewarding experience. I’m proud of the way my team and our supply chain have come together to make this happen. It’s fantastic to see the area transformed into a space where people can safely enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.”
Fellow volunteer, Manpreet Singh, said: “I really enjoyed working for the charity. I loved the experience and I’m really happy to give back to the community and help people in need.”
On Friday 12 September the team of volunteers, along with representatives from National Highways and our supply chain, met with members of the charity’s community team to celebrate the completion of this fantastic transformation.
National Highways project manager, Patricia Dray, said: “We are always grateful for the patience and understanding of local communities when we are carrying out significant works such as this and like to give a little something back to them when we can. So, we are delighted to see the amazing job that VolkerLaser and our supply chain have carried out at this very worthy cause, which will benefit so many people in the local community.”
Michelle Smith, community delivery and development lead, said: “‘It’s been amazing working with Simon and the team at VolkerLaser on this project. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and desire to support us in creating such a wonderful space to support and promote patient and community health and wellbeing has been inspirational. I’m really excited to see the green space being used and the positive impact this will have on so many members of the local community. Huge thanks to you all.”
“This new environment offers a vital opportunity to combat loneliness and depression, reflect and connect with nature, and increase levels of physical activity – all of which play a crucial role in improving health and wellbeing. Thanks to VolkerLaser’s generosity and commitment, this project will leave a lasting legacy for patients and the wider community, providing a place where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired to take positive steps for their health.”
Megan Smith Head of community delivery and development
A huge thank you to everyone involved in addition to our volunteers, including Sunbelt, Cemex, Homedene Farm and National Highways.