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<\/p>\nA garden at a supported living service for learning disabled adults in Bristol has been given a summer makeover \u2013 thanks to a team of volunteers.<\/p>\n
A team of colleagues from Marsh Ltd Insurance Brokers spent the day at Apsley House in Montpelier \u2013 run by the learning disability charity Hft.<\/p>\n
The team of seven co-workers, based at Castlemead in the city centre, used their volunteering day provided by the company to roll up their sleeves and get on with a number of tasks.<\/p>\n
Work included dismantling old, rotten tables and chairs and building new benches and seating for the garden.<\/p>\n
While some of the team got busy with the screwdrivers, others dismantled rotten raised beds, weeding the area and building new ones.<\/p>\n
The new garden furniture was funded by a relative of a person supported at Apsley House.<\/p>\n
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The team from Marsh, who take care of Hft\u2019s insurance programme, were helped by individuals who live at Apsley House, including Adrian, Paul, Jane and Nick.<\/p>\n
Hft colleagues also got stuck in, including Community Fundraiser Hannah Vischer, Head of Fundraising Selina Orrell and Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager Rob Harding.<\/p>\n
There was even a time for a little kick about in the garden between rain showers.<\/p>\n
The team was rewarded by a barbecue lunch, cooked by Apsley House Service Manager Bex Skinner.<\/p>\n
The work was completed ready for Apsley House\u2019s summer garden party, a highlight in the supported living service\u2019s summer calendar which is attended by families and friends.<\/p>\n
The raised beds will be planted up next Spring with fruits and vegetables which will be used in the kitchens of Apsley House.<\/p>\n
Adrian, who lives at Apsley House, said: \u201cIt was a great day and the new furniture and planters look lovely.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will make the garden so much more useable for everyone who lives here.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Hft Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager Rob Harding said: \u201cWe are so thankful to the team at Marsh Ltd for volunteering their time and rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout their help this work just wouldn\u2019t get done and we wouldn\u2019t have an amazing garden space for the people we support to enjoy\u201d<\/p>\n
Marsh Ltd Client Executive George Ganellin said: \u201cWe got in touch with Hft to help with the new garden and help get it in a better condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been really good to partner with Hft and meet the people who live at Apsley House and see the incredible work that is done there.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been lots of hard work but very rewarding when we can see the end result which we hope everyone will enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fourteen learning disabled adults aged from 35 to 80 are supported at Apsley House.<\/p>\n
Each has their own flatlet and have a package of support hours in place dependent on their needs, enabling them to live with independence and choice.<\/p>\n
Anyone who wants to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Hft or corporate partnerships with the charity should contact Rob Harding at rob.harding@hft.org.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n