Legal & General rises to the challenge in Wales

Twelve employees from Legal & General have been working with Business in the Community to transform an enclosed outdoor garden area in the Occupational Therapy Department at Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff into a therapeutic garden for its service users.

The support we have received from Legal & General and Business in the Community has been second to none.  We are delighted that the team achieved so much in such a short period of time.

Organised by Business in the Community’s employee volunteering initiative, the staff - from the recently formed Protection Contact Centre Management Team - worked tirelessly to complete the challenge clearing paths and walkways, laying bark, clearing overgrown raised beds and planting shrubs.

The therapeutic garden will be used for outdoor sessions to support the treatment of more than 150 patients who use older people’s mental health services at the hospital.

Working together as a team

Dean Langley, Sales Operations Director for the Protection Contact Centre, said: “The team challenge at Whitchurch Hospital gave us the opportunity to work together as a team away from the office environment, while at the same time helping to really make a difference to a vital local community resource.”

Julia McHugh, Head of Occupational Therapy at Whitchurch Hospital added: “The therapeutic garden is a safe and stimulating environment for our service users and a facility that will provide a huge boost in their recovery and ongoing treatment. 

“The support we have received from Legal & General and Business in the Community has been second to none.  We are delighted that the team achieved so much in such a short period of time.”

 Collaborative action

Owen Evans, Director, Business in the Community Wales said: “Collaborative action between business and community is key to the success of team challenges. 

“As well as benefiting Whitchurch Hospital, this particular challenge has provided an excellent opportunity for Legal & General to develop team building, improve staff morale, motivation and personal development and is an example of the value business can bring to their local communities.”