Marshalls PLC Team Up with Project Colt to Revitalize Community Garden

Over the years, it has transformed into a well-respected social enterprise, where members of the community can come together for various activities and workshops to better their well-being, including bespoke one-to-one mentoring and counselling for those with complex addiction and or mental health struggles.

The organisation is dedicated to its core values of ensuring that everyone who walks through their doors is valued, has a purpose, and can learn from their past experiences.

Part of Project Colt’s offer is the Serenity Garden — a safe and relaxing place where individuals can make friends and learn practical skills while improving mood and increasing physical activity. The busy charity wanted to rejuvenate this space however, this required a considerable amount of manpower.

However, when Marshalls PLC, the UK’s leading hard landscaping, building and roofing supplier reached out to VSI Alliance Volunteer Hub Coordinator, Kate Hornby, seeking a volunteer opportunity for their staff, she immediately connected the two.

Both Project Colt and Marshalls were enthusiastic about the collaboration and with the help of 22 members from Marshalls’ HR team, the Serenity Garden was given a new lease of life.

“When volunteering in the garden, it quickly became apparent just how much this space means to Project Colt and the extra hard work the team put into making sure this is an inclusive space, welcoming to all. By the end of the day, I truly felt proud of the work the team had done, helping such an important organisation!” 

— Emily Denham-Bosah, People Services Coordinator, Marshalls PLC

Russell Davies, Manager at Project Colt shared:

“On a slightly wet and breezy Thursday morning, a dedicated team of volunteers from the HR Department of Marshall’s Paving and Landscaping, gathered at Project Colt to assist with the development of the community garden.

Armed with shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and an abundance of enthusiasm, they worked together to level the ground and create a safe surface for people with mixed abilities to enjoy for years to come.”

Karen Smith, Talent Advisor from Marshalls, remarked:

“This was my first introduction to the fantastic and awe-inspiring Project Colt. It’s clear that an immense amount of dedication, innovation, and teamwork has come together to create something extraordinary across the whole collective offering they provide… their project is truly inspiring, and it’s something they should all be proud of!”

Despite the drizzle and wind, everyone’s spirits stayed high—even a new team member, who hadn’t officially started, joined in! Laughter and teamwork filled the air as the garden took shape.

Reflecting on the event, Russel thanked the volunteers for their time and efforts:

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of the Marshall’s team for your incredible hard work in laying the grounds for our community garden.

Your effort and team spirit have transformed the space into something practical and inviting. The garden will not only be a place of beauty but also a lasting reflection of your time given to this project for years to come”