Small acts, big impact: Green Aiders volunteers make a difference in Hertfordshire
An overgrown garden can pose health and safety risks, invite anti-social behaviour and cause distress for Hertfordshire residents. We work with a number of volunteers to provide a valuable service, bringing peace of mind, dignity and enjoyment of their gardens back to vulnerable people.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Green Aiders programme, which helps older, disabled, or vulnerable adults in Hertfordshire take control of their overgrown gardens through a one-off gardening service.
Robyn Parker-Sutton, who now works as a project officer at Groundwork East, is a former Green Aiders volunteer, who recalls some of the people they helped.
I had volunteered on other Groundwork projects and wanted to continue doing-so, I relished the opportunity to give back to those in need, so joined Green Aiders.
An older lady had ivy growing in front of her windows, causing her to sit in darkness. The simple act of removing the ivy, allowed more daylight into her home, and she was very grateful
Green Aiders also helped a young mother who needed a safe space for her child to play.
In a couple of hours, we can make a significant impact, by simply cutting back overgrown plants or tidying up. When gardens get overgrown to the point that the residents cannot maintain them, they are a constant reminder of their aging or their mobility restrictions, it can limit their access to the outside world and can add to their stress. Green Aiders is a multi-layered project, from the practical help, to supporting someone with their well-being, improving their quality of life and it has a feel-good factor for both volunteers and recipients
Robyn Parker-Sutton, Project Officer, Groundwork East
Green Aiders offers volunteering opportunities to corporate groups and individuals.
On one of our sessions, a group of corporate volunteers were amazed at the difference we had made in a short time. Some learned how to use gardening tools for the first time and others said it gave them a huge sense of satisfaction. It is a good feeling to have helped someone
Robyn Parker-Sutton, Project Officer, Groundwork East
Groundwork East is looking to work with Hertfordshire companies with funding for Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) days, to support the long waiting list of Green Aiders beneficiaries.
Volunteering opportunities are also open to individuals who would like to help. Act now to make a difference for vulnerable people in Hertfordshire by clicking on our ‘volunteering’ link or emailing us for more information.
Clarion Futures has kindly supported the Green Aiders project, which enables Groundwork East to recruit more volunteers, provide equipment and continue the service across the county.