Care group springs into action

LAPTOPS were switched off for the day at Athena Care Homes’ central office recently and teams dug deep to support a gardening project.

Working parties made up of central office staff and members of the regional team visited Athena’s five homes and helped get the gardens ‘spring ready’ by weeding, painting, planting and mowing.

Teams worked alongside the homes’ residents, gardeners, maintenance teams and gardening clubs to transform the outside spaces.

Marketing manager James Eley, who organised the gardening day, said: “We saw some dramatic transformations at our homes and are excited to see residents start to use these green spaces again now the spring sunshine is starting to break through.

“The day also benefitted our teams, allowing our teams at the homes to spend some quality time with people they often only speak to on the phone or via video call.

“In addition, everyone enjoyed the chance to spend some time outside and returned to their desks refreshed and energised.”

The company’s managing director Mala Agarwal joined the effort and visited Amberley Hall in King’s Lynn where she and her team overhauled a courtyard garden to make it more accessible and appealing to residents. The day of action also kick-started the company’s annual Athena In Bloom contest, which sees the homes compete against one another for titles including ‘Best Sustainability Initiative’ and ‘Best Sensory Garden’.

The gardening day proved so successful that Athena will be holding another ahead of the Athena In Bloom judging in the summer, while an indoor decorating event is being planned for the winter months.