Generations come together to improve sheltered housing

L&Q and Wates Group joined forces with the local community to spruce up a sheltered housing scheme in Plumstead.

The team got stuck into improving the garden at Rose Court, pruning  and clearing eight bags of fallen leaves. They also brightened up the building, jet washing tiles, windowsills and canopies.

The community day brought generations together. T-level student trainee apprentices Jessica, Adam and Chimzy came along from Shooters Hill Sixth Form College. The local Scout troop and Trinity Methodist Church lent equipment for moving heavy objects.

Materials, including fencing, gravel and building materials, were donated by Travis Perkins. Additional support was given by non-MWIP contactor Idverde to cut bushes by bringing specialist equipment, and Dave Smith, Caretaking Supervisor for the L&Q Scheme Improvement Team provided advice and installed fences and posts.

The day was organised by L&Q’s Community Development Lead Sunder Narashiman, Neighbourhood Services Officer Margaret Rawlings and Sheltered Scheme Assistant Angela Gibson.

Sunder said:

“As well as helping us provide the residents with a lovely environment they can spend time in outdoors and helping them feel supported and engaged, the community day also gave some valuable inter-generational time to exchange life stories.

Many opened up about their past careers in industries including the care sector, local government and engineering. This helped foster a sense of community amongst the volunteers.

We also gained feedback on having future community days and resources, services, or support groups that could benefit the residents like digital training.”

Wates Group, as well as volunteering for two days which encompassed 100 staff hours, provided pizza and refreshments for lunch, which were also enjoyed by the scheme’s residents.

Dovile Catterick, Social Value Manager at Wates Group, said:

“We’re proud to have 16 hours each per year dedicated to volunteering for social value initiatives. This was a great way to use that time and give back to the community.”

Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:

“This has been a great example of teamwork between colleagues and partners to help enhance the lives and wellbeing of our residents. It’s been especially heartwarming to see how all ages were able to come together, learn about each other and find common ground. A massive thank you to Wates, Idverde and Travis Perkins for all their staff volunteering, equipment and donations on the day.”

Wates Group is one of ten partners working with us on our Major Works Investment Programme.

This will see us invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort, and environmental performance of residents’ homes. Beyond improving homes, the partnership includes social value commitments to create a lasting impact in the communities where we operate.