Community groups across County Durham have received a helping hand thanks to a volunteering drive by believe housing.
The not-for-profit landlord encouraged colleagues, from tradespeople to office-based staff, to take part in The Great Giveback, a three-week campaign held throughout September.
In total, 72 colleagues and contractors stepped forward, donating nearly 300 hours to support 14 different community projects and charities.
Volunteers took part in a wide variety of activities across the county, reflecting the diverse needs of the communities believe housing serves.
These included helping Lifeline Community Action relocate to a new base in Newton Aycliffe, gardening in the visitor areas at Auckland Castle, and maintaining bike trails and footpaths in Hamsterley Forest.
Others supported sessions run by groups such as Sisters of Support, a peer support and social inclusion group for women, and Spare 10 for Ben, which helps people struggling with their mental health.
The campaign was further strengthened by volunteers from RE:GEN Group, who teamed up with believe housing to transform St Giles’ Church Hall in Durham through interior and exterior redecoration.
Among those rolling up their sleeves was Chief Executive Alan Smith, who helped at a session at the Tiny Feet Playgroup in Howden-le-Wear by preparing snacks, chatting with parents, washing up, and helping tidy toys.
He said: “The Great Giveback was a brilliant opportunity for us to get out into our communities and make a real difference.
“Colleagues from across believe housing got involved, using their volunteering days to support causes close to home.
“This activity was a demonstration of our value ‘do the right thing’, and one way we’re working together to improve lives, support people, and build stronger, healthier communities.”
Rachel Edmunds, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at believe housing, added:
“Our colleagues can take up to four paid volunteering days each year to support causes they care about, or where we’ve identified a need in the communities we serve.
“Over these three weeks, we’ve not only helped the groups we visited, but hopefully inspired more people to get involved.
“Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. It can be fun, eye-opening, and a great way to meet new people and discover new interests.”
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