Volunteering day at Happy Times
Magenta Living colleagues gave up their time last week to volunteer at Happy Times Activities Centre based in Moreton to improve their outside space and make it more wheelchair accessible.
Happy Times is an activity and sensory centre which has a mission to increase happiness and provide a sense of belonging for vulnerable adults. The centre uses yoga, music, art, relaxation and more to create activities for all to enjoy.
Jamie Martin, Head of Community Regeneration at Magenta Living, received a request from Happy Times to help them make their outdoor space more wheelchair accessible. The garden was full of stones which made it difficult for wheelchair users to go outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
All Magenta Living colleagues are entitled to one day per year of special leave which can be used to help volunteer and make a positive difference in the local community.
Four fantastic colleagues volunteered to help at Happy Times and spent the day clearing the outdoor space by removing stones and cutting back shrubbery, to make way for paving which will allow wheelchair users to enjoy the space.
Oli Pritchard, Performance Coordinator said: “It’s brilliant that we are getting the opportunity to volunteer and do something outside of our usual roles. My role is office-based so it is great to get out and about and feel like I’m making a difference. I’m really grateful to Magenta for allowing me to do this.”
Magenta Living and Happy Times have a long-term relationship, as the centre in Moreton is owned by Magenta Living and rented out to Happy Times, providing a safe space for all those that they support. Happy Times also received a grant from the Magenta Communities Committee, which aims to further extend their service to Magenta Living customers.
Helen, Founder and Director of Happy Times said: “The outside space at Happy Times was full of stones, making it difficult for wheelchair users to enjoy our garden and outdoor space. When Magenta Living said they were looking for opportunities to volunteer in the local community, we jumped at the chance.
“We couldn’t do all of the work on our own, so we were grateful to all of the Magenta colleagues for giving up their time and helping. Our garden looks much better now that the stones have been cleared and we are already planning for the paving to go down. The space is being designed by our participants and together we are creating a peaceful corner, so that we can all enjoy calm times and sunshine together.”
Jamie Martin, Head of Community Regeneration said: “Happy Times is a great charity, they do fantastic things for vulnerable people that need support so it’s great that we can help give back to them by volunteering our time. Everyone who has volunteered today is a hero. They have all been brilliant and I’m really proud of how everyone just got stuck in. It’s great for our colleagues to come out and see some of the fantastic enterprises that we work with.”