A Bristol-based learning disability charity last week stepped into volunteer mode, putting their painting and DIY skills to the test to help residents and staff at a local supported living service to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

As part of national volunteering event, The Big Help Out, staff from Hft’s Commercial Housing team headed to Apsley House, a supported living service in Bristol. The team supported with a number of task on the service’s to-do list, from painting the dining room and filling and repairing walls to installing handy storage units for residents and carrying out general repairs.

The team then got the barbecue up and running for residents and fellow colleagues to continue the Coronation celebrations.

The Big Help Out, founded by Shaping the Future with Volunteering Group, saw over six million people give up their time through volunteering, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, with over 55,000 events scheduled to take place around the UK.

Reflecting on the day, Eden Bailey, Acting Head of Commercial Housing at Hft, said:

“Hft’s Housing team really came together to lend a hand and experience just how rewarding volunteering can be, as part of the Big Help Out, and the power it has to make a change.

“It was also lovely to spend some time together as a team and enjoy a spot of barbecue.”

Jade Odell, Senior Housing Officer, added:

“It was a great team day, volunteering to help at a service and get everyone involved. Decorating, building a barbecue, gardening and then eating.”

There are now calls for the Big Help Out to become an annual event, and organisations are encouraging people to sign up for other upcoming volunteering opportunities such as Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June).