Plymouth volunteers 'Spark Something Good' at Harbour & Barnardo's

Plymouth volunteers have been out in force over the past couple of days completing much-needed transformations at the Harbour Centre and Barnardo’s DELL Children’s centre.

The Harbour Centre, which aids the recovery of individuals struggling with substance abuse, is one of 24 projects that are being transformed over the next week as part of Marks & Spencer’s Spark Something Good initiative. In just under 24 hours, the centre’s outdoor space underwent a dramatic makeover from unused roof space to rooftop garden with views of the city.

More than 30 volunteers came together to create a Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis for the charity, providing service users and staff with a calming space in which to think and hold their therapy sessions. Generous donations for the project were received from local businesses including Dulux, South West Water and Otter Nurseries.

Meanwhile, down the road in Torridge Way, 20 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in to help paint, decorate and install new furniture at Barnardo’s DELL Children’s Centre. The space, previously a common room, has now been transformed into a vibrant community hub and café for families and carers to enjoy while using the centre.

Rebecca Cheshire, Chief Executive at the Harbour Centre, said: “We’re so pleased that Spark Something Good has come to Plymouth and incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who have been getting involved. Our incredible new space will provide the perfect sanctuary for our service users to take time out and think, and we’ll also hold some of our therapy sessions out here.”

Jane Carey, Manager at Marks & Spencer Plymouth, said: “It’s been so great to join the volunteers across Plymouth over the last couple of days. The generosity and dedication of our colleagues and local volunteers has been amazing and we still have another four days of activity left! These two amazing charities offer local people lifelines at difficult times. We’re really proud to have helped spark something good for these vital community projects and to see the difference the volunteers have made.”

Registration to take part is still open. To find out more and sign-up, simply visit the dedicated page at www.neighbourly.com/mandsvolunteer, developed by Neighbourly, the social network for social good.

Volunteers can also sign up for Spark Something Good by calling 0117 915 1279.