Green-fingered volunteers lend a helping hand at retirement living scheme

Sea cadets have been helping to spruce up a communal garden for summer 

Residents living in one of our retirement living schemes have been given a helping hand by some green-fingered volunteers. 

Members of the Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets have been visiting the scheme, in Stafford, for the last three months. 

Together with residents, the group have weeded and tidied the garden for summer. 

Thanks to everyone’s hard work, resident Margaret could get busy filling the garden with flowers creating an outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.   

She said: “The garden was quite overgrown and the sea cadets helped to clear it all away, they ended up with piles of twigs and weeds. 

“They worked really hard and they were all so pleasant and lovely. Young people get such bad press, but to see these youngsters working hard has been a joy.” 

The Sea Cadets began volunteering after Margaret and Care Plus Retirement Living Officer (RLO) at the scheme, Zoe, were offered their help at the local church. 

Each month a group of around eight cadets visit the scheme to help with the garden. 

Commanding Officer of Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets, Charlotte Folland, said: “Alongside our training activities our cadets, who are between the ages of 12 and 18, undertake various tasks in the local area to help the community as well as help with their personal development.  These types of interactions help to strengthen links within our community.” 

RLO Zoe thanked the cadets for their help. She added: “We’re delighted that the Sea Cadets have given up their time to help our residents with the garden here. 

“They did an excellent job pulling out weeds and tidying up flower beds. You could really see the difference afterwards and their efforts have really enhanced the garden. 

“We want to thank them for all their hard work.” 

We are looking for more volunteers to help make a positive difference to our communities throughout Staffordshire and Shropshire.  

All you need is enthusiasm and a desire to help. You can choose how much time you offer, and Care Plus will provide the training and support. 

If you would like to be our next volunteer, please get in touch by emailing Engagement&Volunteering@care-plus.org.uk.