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Our Business Coordinator, Claire Quince, had the pleasure of volunteering for environmental charity Groundwork Wales last week as part of WPA’s commitment to engage with and add value to our local communities and their initiatives.

Groundwork’s Routes to Life (R2L) programme aims to support the well-being of local people and the environment by providing food growing workshops, countryside skills, food preservation and outdoor learning workshops.

At the heart of Routes to Life (R2L) is a commitment to community and personal development. Volunteers have the chance to work alongside participants who are looking to gain new skills and confidence.  Whether it’s sharing knowledge about planting techniques, assisting with garden maintenance, or simply offering encouragement, the program fosters an environment where everyone can grow – both literally and figuratively.

For those who may be facing challenges, such as long-term unemployment or social isolation, Routes to Life (R2L) provides a safe and welcoming space. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a supportive atmosphere where participants can engage, learn, and build meaningful connections. Participants can also gain Agored Cymru accredited training and enhance their CVs.

As a not-for-profit business, WPA’s social value commitments run through all that we do, and alongside our social value priorities, we deliver on our promise of providing meaningful and lasting community impact through three key impact areas. One of those areas is Living our Values which means we invest in our people and encourage them to deliver social value in their own communities by allocating a total of two and a half individual and team volunteering days per year. By supporting The Routes to Life (R2L) programme presents an ideal opportunity for anyone passionate about the environment, education, and community engagement, to make a positive impact by engaging with participants of all ages. Whether they’re a experienced gardener or a complete beginner,  contributions can help cultivate not just vegetables, but a stronger, more sustainable future for all.

In line with LHC Social Value Strategy, Groundwork are a hugely successful example of an organisation who deliver against all of our social value priority areas.  Proving improved wellbeing thought the confidence and health benefits of volunteering; increased social mobility by employability and skills benefits this provides, whilst also making real tangible steps in local and sustainable environmental outcomes.

To maximise the impact we can have in communities across the country, we will continue to support programmes like R2L, by partnering through our volunteering and looking for opportunities to signpost to clients who can provide resources in materials, funding, or manpower to improve their local area.

For anyone interested in getting involved, consider reaching out to Groundwork Wales and take the first step on this rewarding journey towards greener living and community support.

Routes to Life has been renting their current plot for 14 years, but they now need to find a new location for long-term rental. If you know of any suitable land available, please reach out.

For more information on our Social Value approach, take a look at our Social Value Strategy.  https://www.lhcprocure.org.uk/social-value-strategy/