Volunteers get gardening at Lincoln County Hospital

A shared space for patients, families and staff at Lincoln County Hospital to pause and enjoy nature has been freshened up by Lincolnshire Co-op volunteers.

Colleagues from Lincolnshire Co-op’s development programme LEAP rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand to refresh the communal courtyard.

LEAP stands for Learn, Engage, Apply and Perform, and is helping create a pipeline of colleagues who could one day manage the Society's food outlets.

Together they spruced up the courtyard by clearing any overgrowth and weeds. They put clippings and leaves into coffee bags donated by Stokes of Lincoln to help care for the local environment as an alternative to refuse sacks.

Gavin Glover is a LEAP candidate from Whaplode Food Store and is working at other stores whilst the outlet is under refurbishment.

He said: “Days like this are great and it’s one of the best things on the course when you get to engage with other candidates across the area. It’s really rewarding working together and making a positive difference in our communities.

“I’ve learnt lots through the course including managing my time better and it’s definitely going to help me progress. Even if you’re not thinking of becoming as a manager it will improve the way you lead and work in a team."

The candidates have been on a number of group activities that aim to help their communication and team building skills, from wheelchair basketball to visiting Gadsby’s bakery in Southwell along with study days at Boston College.

Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues can spend two days per year doing paid employer supported volunteering.

If you’ve got a project that could do with help from volunteers, contact Lincolnshire Co-op Engagement Advisor Rachel Ashmore by emailing rashmore@lincolnshire.coop or use the request form on our volunteer page.