Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2023) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. At MFT, we rely on volunteers to run our organisation effectively and we simply couldn’t operate without their precious support!
Throughout the week we’re sharing video or photo portraits of some of our Volunteers to show the breadth and depth of what they do and celebrate their work.
To kick off the week, we focus on Rosemary and George, our Leatherhead Gardening Volunteers (see below), who bring so much joy to our staff with their blooms.
Rosemary, Gardening Volunteer, Leatherhead since 2015
I have always enjoyed gardening and I love looking after the garden in Leatherhead. Everything seems to grow very fast so I’ve learnt a lot about cutting back and pruning. I enjoy gardening most when other volunteers join me, as once we get through the jobs there is always time for a cup of tea and a chat. Gardening is about thinking ahead to how it’s going to look and each season in the garden has something to look forward to.
George, Gardening Volunteer, Leatherhead
I like volunteering in the garden to help me have structure in my day and it helps in terms of a mental health work out!
Why gardening? It’s simply great to be outside and working with Nature and planting flowers makes us all feel great when the flowers are in full bloom. It puts a smile on our faces and cheers us all up.
Being outside is great for mental health and I still enjoy taking part in walking group with MFT Walking for Health when I can get a chance. I recommend it to any one else who maybe struggling with their mental health.
