In the spirit of Volunteer Week, a dedicated group of JSM volunteers spent the day at Fair Havens Hospice in Southend, contributing their time and energy to help maintain the hospice grounds.
The team focused on weeding and pruning key areas around the facility, starting with the ambulance bay and later moving on to clear the walkways and car park. Their efforts aimed to create a more welcoming and pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.
Each year in the UK, Volunteers’ Week is celebrated from the first Monday of June. It’s a dedicated time to recognise the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the country. This national celebration not only honours the time and effort given by volunteers but also raises awareness of the vital role volunteering plays in strengthening communities and supporting essential services.
Fair Havens Hospice, part of Havens Hospices, provides compassionate care and support to adults living with complex or incurable conditions in Southend. Their services are completely free of charge and tailored to meet the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Whether delivered at the hospice or in the comfort of a patient’s home, their care helps people make the most of every day, from diagnosis through to end-of-life support.
Corporate Volunteering is an excellent way for businesses to get involved with the community they operate in and help make everyday count for the families we care for. A family’s first visit to Little Havens or Fair Havens is often a huge step, so first impressions are important. We’re so grateful to the businesses who support our team of garden volunteers, by spending a day tending to our gardens, so they offer a welcoming and relaxing environment for patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers.
said Amy Bell, Corporate Volunteering lead.
By the end of the day, the transformation was clear. The walkways were completely weed-free, and the hospice grounds looked refreshed and cared for. It was a long day of physical work, but one filled with purpose and camaraderie. For many of the volunteers, it was a deeply rewarding experience, one to remember. The team looks forward to returning in the future to continue supporting the hospice and the wider community.
At JSM, we take great pride in the social and environmental impact of our volunteer initiatives. Every employee is encouraged to give back, with two paid volunteering days per year to support a cause of their choice. So far in 2025, our team has contributed 128 hours of volunteering, and we’re committed to growing that number as we continue to support meaningful causes across the UK.
