Two groups from Downe House have kicked off volunteering in 2025 with a refresh of the 2nd Chieveley Scouting Hut based on our site, and weeding two of our on-site gardens. 

Both groups, both from AGS House, visited Prior's Court site last week to start our new year of volunteering. It was great to see so many returning faces, as well as some brand new ones!

The first group tackled clearing out an old storage hut, moving all of the therapy equipment in there into our Health and Wellbeing Hub, freeing up the space so it can be used as a Scouting hut for the 2nd Chieveley Scouts which is based on the Prior's Court site. This group absolutely smashed it, completing a task we estimated would take over an hour in 37 minutes!

The second group started the ever present but incredibly important task of weeding! Due to the nature of the young people we support, we have to be hyper-vigilant with regards to the kinds of plants we have on site. They have to all be harmless and non-toxic, and we plant specific plants around site so they have a sensory element to them. They might smell or feel nice for the young people. Weeds are, as a result, a huge problem and have to be dealt with on a regular basis.

This group of girls from Downe House did a fantastic job of clearing the weeds from both our sensory garden and our memorial garden ready for the spring. They also mowed and neatened up the edge of the beds. 

Both groups did a fantastic job, and we hope our partnership with AGS house continues!