Follow the journey from start to finish, of a request for a team-building volunteer day developed into a cross-sector collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility project across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

The story begins with an email from Vodafone. Laura Roberts, Customer Experience Manager, was looking for an opportunity for her team to volunteer within the community.

She contacted VAST to see if they could help source a team volunteering experience for staff from the store in Hanley. Naturally, VAST jumped straight in.

Initially, VAST’s Totally Stoked project shared the request through Facebook and Twitter, reaching out to voluntary and community groups in North Staffordshire that were in need of support.

Although some level of support was given to all groups who enquired, it was Walk Talk Action CIC’s request which appealed most to the Vodafone Team.

Teri Elder, the founder of the organisation, requested a team of volunteers to help revamp a portacabin they had recently been donated.

Walk Talk Action is a Stoke-on-Trent-based group that supports people with their wellbeing through outdoor walking activities and structured walking programmes to develop confidence, social skills, physical experience, and personal development.

But the cabin they were looking at was in desperate need of some TLC, and if it was going to be suitable for use, it needed considerable attention.

Volunteers working hard to make the portacabin suitable for use.

Together VAST, Walk Talk Action, and Vodafone discussed ways staff could best support the project and what materials, equipment and paperwork would be required.

VAST ensured that the two parties understood what was required and that various documents needed to be shared between the two organisations.

Things like a volunteering policy, health and safety risk assessments, data consent forms – as well as a list of tasks and materials, and other needs such as an onsite toilet for the day, parking, refreshments, and directions to the location of the cabin.

Whilst developing a list of tasks and materials though, it soon became apparent that the task list of works on Walk Talk Action’s dream list was going to be beyond the skills of an office-based team volunteering for one-day, so further support would be needed from other sources.

As the cabin was being stored at a farm outside the Stoke-on-Trent boundary—sitting within Stone—VAST’s Deborah Nicklin contacted Support Staffordshire to ask for some assistance in sourcing local contacts.

The primary need was to find someone to supply and install a fence, and using a company close to the site would be good for the future if a relationship between the charity and the company could be developed.

Through their contacts, Support Staffordshire was able to bring Amey plc, Staffordshire County Council’s contracted Highways Company, on board.

Two contractors from Amey visited the site, and within three days (fuelled by tea and biscuits) they laid a new hardcore path around the portacabin, erected new fencing, and they also provided materials for the project.

With the site safe and enclosed, Totally Stoked was able to bring the Vodafone team of ten on-site to get stuck in.

Outside the cabin, the team worked on the flaky paint and cobwebs, repainting the old oxide red a calming shade of soft green. Debris and junk in the area were loaded into a skip.

While inside, there was tidying, sanding, and painting – giving the space a much cleaner and fresher appearance. And that was just the morning.

Lunchtime was spent relaxing in the sunshine with the farm dogs who were diligently keeping an eye on everyone’s packed lunches.

The team all had a great time chatting and joking, plus they had a chance to say ‘Hi’ to the pigs, ducks, hens, geese, and llama.

By mid-afternoon the same day, it was done. All tasks were complete, and the site was transformed.

It didn’t even take a full day, proving that many hands really do make light work!

Teri was overjoyed with the team, their work, and the end result. She couldn’t thank the Vodafone team enough…

“I would just like to say a huge heartfelt thanks to all your help down at our retreat/farm today.

You have honestly done so much to help us, and that would have taken me at least a year to complete on my own! I cannot thank you all enough.

All your staff were so enthusiastic and helpful. Nothing was too much. They just got stuck in from the get-go.”

Teri Elder, Walk Talk Action.

What a difference a day makes. The volunteers have totally transformed the cabin and, indeed the site itself.

The work done by all involved has completely transformed the site from a dilapidated, worn-out old portacabin to a fantastic asset that will be used by many as a stopping point during wellbeing walks that go through the farmland.

It will also be a great place to rest and grab a brew as well as a shelter on wet days.

The project not only provided Walk Talk Action with the support they needed to get the cabin up and running but it was also a fantastic opportunity for Vodafone staff who had spent the last two years working from home.

The team was able to re-group and see some real-life work friends again and remember that they are part of a real-life team.

“It was an opportunity to get to know a local charity and how it supported people locally and nationally.

It was also a great way to meet colleagues in person and work together on something that will benefit others. I’m so glad we chose WTA.

A standout moment was seeing the transformation of the outside of the cabin and seeing how happy it made Teri.”

Laura Roberts, Customer Experience Manager, Vodafone.

Being on the farm in a relaxed atmosphere allowed people to work in small teams and they started sharing personal stories, laughter, and friendship – this was a breath of fresh air, with people reminiscing and recalling days pre-covid.

Some of the group even felt relaxed enough to open up to others, and to Teri, talking about their personal situations, sharing experiences, and getting support that wouldn’t have been possible in a scheduled Zoom call or office environment.

The activity, fresh air, laughter, and distraction from the outlined daily tasks or worries were great boosts too.

Chatting to friends outdoors, in a non-work environment was good for team morale and the day was the perfect place to gently support positive mental health.

All while providing the extra benefit for the team: knowing that their work supports a charitable organisation, helping people in the local community to get through life’s various struggles, and tackle loneliness, isolation, low self-esteem, and other personal challenges.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the organisations who helped make this possible…