A supported independent living home in Woodbine has received a remarkable boost thanks to the generosity of volunteers from ADCO Construction, who donated their time, skills and enthusiasm to give the property a much-needed refresh.
As part of its annual community volunteering program, ADCO brought together members of its construction teams and corporate office staff to undertake a range of improvement works at the home. The project came about after an ADCO employee, whose family member is a former Afford client, suggested the organisation would be the perfect recipient of the company’s annual community giving initiative.
Working closely with Afford’s Homes and Living and Property teams, volunteers tackled a comprehensive list of jobs designed to improve both the appearance and function of the home.
A proud team of volunteers and staff on site at our Woodbine Supported Independent Living home.
Giving for good
From painting and repairs to landscaping, gardening and accessibility improvements, the work transformed key indoor and outdoor spaces and helped create an even more welcoming environment for the people who call this Woodbine house home.
“What we see time and again is that the ripple effect of partnerships like this extends far beyond the project itself,” says Head of Partnerships and Growth Lauren Sullivan.
A day of volunteering can help transform a home, but it can also build understanding, challenge perceptions and create meaningful connections.
“The impact is felt by residents, volunteers and the broader community alike.
“It’s a powerful reminder that contributions of time and expertise can deliver significant social outcomes, and we’d love to see more organisations explore how they can partner with the disability sector to create that kind of shared value.”
While the practical improvements are significant, projects like these deliver benefits far beyond new paint, fresh garden beds or repaired fixtures.
The work involved the garden, the outbuildings and more.
The ripple effect
They create an opportunity for businesses and community organisations to connect in a meaningful way with people with disability and gain a firsthand understanding of the lives they lead.
Too often, people hold outdated assumptions about disability or what life in a supported living environment looks like. Spending a day alongside residents and staff helps break down those barriers, replacing assumptions with genuine understanding, connection and respect.
The impact is felt on all sides.
For residents, families and staff, seeing a home refreshed through the generosity of volunteers is uplifting. It reinforces the message that the wider community values inclusion and is willing to invest time and effort into helping create great places to live.
Big work and big results. Woodbine SIL has had a serious glow up thanks to ADCO.
Great places to live
For the volunteers, the experience is equally rewarding. Corporate volunteering projects consistently leave participants with a stronger sense of purpose and connection, along with the satisfaction that comes from making a visible difference in people’s lives.
Many arrive expecting to contribute practical skills and leave with something just as valuable: a greater understanding of disability, a fresh perspective and the knowledge that their efforts have had a genuine impact.
Afford extends its sincere thanks to everyone involved in the Woodbine refresh, including the volunteers from ADCO Construction and the Afford team members who helped coordinate the project. Their generosity, hard work and community spirit have made a lasting difference for the residents of Woodbine and demonstrate the power of partnerships built on shared values and a commitment to inclusion.
The residents shared their gratitude with the ADCO team.
