Local community Scouts help Wednesbury care home spruce up for the summerResidents at HC-One’s Dovedale Court care home, in Wednesbury, have been over the moon with a visit from the local Scouts, who volunteered their time to help with the summer gardening.  

Building up intergenerational relationships is something very close to the heart of residents, colleagues and relatives at Dovedale Court, who always get involved in events and activities happening in the local community. Laura and Dawn, who are both Wellbeing Coordinators, incorporate this into the enhanced wellbeing and activities programme. One of these relationships is with the local 617 Sandwell Air Scouting Group. 

On 10th August, Scout Leader Roger Coley, Squirrels and Bevers Leader Kerry Coley, Cubs Leader Roniqce Thomas and helpers Beth and Nathan visited the care home to help sanded and paint the outdoor wooden garden furniture, which is regularly used as a social setting or for some outdoor alfresco dining. The efforts will go towards them achieving their ‘Community impact’ and ‘DIY Badger’ badges. 

Throughout the visit, residents shared some biscuits and juice with the Scouts and had even handed out some hand-crafted gifts to the scouts as a ‘thank you’. The group chatted and a lovely afternoon was had by all, plus the furniture looks much brighter and more colourful! 

Vera, who lives at Dovedale Court, spoke about the memories she had as a Cub Leader herself, and how seeing the children helping brought back lots of good times.  

Fellow resident Tracey Edmunds was also happy to join in and said,  

“I enjoyed joining in with sanding our furniture.” 

Everyone loved being out in the sunshine, and watching the garden being transformed.  

Dawn Allen, Home Manager at Dovedale Court, commented: 

“It was so kind of the Scouts to give up their time helping their local care home. Building intergenerational relationships is so important, and we all had a great time in doing so, while enjoying the August sunshine!” 

The Scouts are now planning to come back to Dovedale Court in September to help paint garden fences,