Generous volunteers have made life brighter for children with complex health needs after giving up their time to complete mini-makeovers at two specialist respite units.
Around 20 staff from PwC visited Squirrels and Little Acorns residential units, run by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust(NCH&C), to carry out improvement work in the outside areas. They painted fences, playhouses and summer houses at Squirrels, which is in Aylsham, and Little Acorns, in Gorleston, in turn brightening them up for young patients to enjoy.
Their visit came as part of a scheme run by PwC, which gives employees the chance to take a day off work to complete a project in their local community. PwC provides assurance, tax and advisory services. Staff in the Norwich office voted to focus on children with special needs and complex illnesses, and chose to support NCH&C’s respite centres as staff member Ben Farrow’s mum Sue works for the Trust as a nursery nurse.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day of volunteering, and the staff and children were really appreciative of our efforts,” said Ben. “We were really pleased with the final results, and hope they make a difference to those using the respite units.
“We’d like to pass on our thanks to all of the staff at Squirrels and Little Acorns for their help throughout the day, and to the companies who supported us, including Magdelen Hardware, Wilkinsons and Dulux Norwich.”
Squirrels and Little Acorns provide essential care for children aged between five and 18 years, offering accommodation for two to five nights each month. During the week, those staying at the centres will continue to go to school, while at the weekends they can enjoy a variety of activities, such as art and craft sessions and baking, while also making the most of the unit’s sensory rooms and soft play areas.
NCH&C’s staff also arrange regular excursions, such as bowling, trips to the cinema and visits to the Broads or coast.
Chris Fields, Team Leader at Little Acorns, said: “We were really grateful to all of the volunteers who came to Squirrels and Little Acorns. They did a fantastic job and worked really hard to get everything done in just one day.
“Everyone is delighted with the finished results, which have really brightened up our outside spaces and given some of our equipment and fencing a new lease of life.”
Children can be referred to Squirrels and Little Acorns by health or social care professionals, with a care package then agreed depending on their individual needs. For more information, visit www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/residential-short-breaks.htm
