Nurturing through volunteering
Last year, my colleagues and I here at Aster had the fantastic opportunity to volunteer for Action for Addiction, the only UK addictions charity that works across all the areas of treatment, research, family support and professional education.
We were split into two teams and asked to clear moss and weeds from the walkways at their treatment centre, Clouds House in East Knoyle and make good the vegetable patches there. This included loading up many, many wheelbarrows of soil and using good old- fashioned team work to get the soil from one side of the house to the tall wooden framed patches. It was great knowing that our hard work would mean the residents would be able to grow their next batch of vegetables which would be used to cook fresh, hearty meals on site.
We were welcomed in to the large, mature but beautiful manor home where we were given a bite to eat. It was a lovely spread prepared by some of the residents - well appreciated after our morning of running back and forth wheelbarrow racing.
With lunch finished, we went on to tidy up the rest of the beautiful grounds with weeding and planting fresh new bulbs ready for next spring where they would flourish and bring tranquillity and brightness to the gardens. We were also invited inside the art room to hear how Action for Addiction began and how the residents are supported and encouraged to start afresh in the right environment. I had a real sense that everyone was part of a family and all were there to support each other on their journey to recovery.
I can’t express enough how much volunteering is appreciated, why not speak to the Aster Foundation team and see how you can support a local project or charity?
Jessica Scull
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