FOR two days in February and March The Limes Day Care Centre in Alton got a helping hand from two willing groups of volunteers from Alton-based company Laleham Health and Beauty.

The Limes, run by Age Concern Hampshire, provides day care to enable older people to maintain their independence.

Laleham staff take part in an ongoing volunteering programme run by Community First, which organised the experience for them.

During the first visit to The Limes, six volunteers from Laleham spent a morning with elderly clients. They brought cakes and took time to chat and get to know them, exchanging interesting life stories.

The group then gave the clients a relaxing hand massage, and organised and played a game of bingo.

Kimberly Thwaites, new product development co-ordinator at Laleham, said: “We’ve had a lovely morning meeting the day centre clients. We enjoy volunteering in the local community and are happy to support Age Concern in such a lovely environment.

“I’ve enjoyed the one-to-one interaction and getting to know them.”

On March 1, a group of seven volunteers from Laleham returned to The Limes to give the centre’s garden a spring clear up.

“Thick bushes were cut back and borders were weeded and planted with new plants and flowers for all The Limes clients to enjoy.

Garden furniture was cleaned and painted ready for the warmer weather.

Matthew Turner, technical manufacturing manager at Laleham, said: “We are happy to volunteer for a great cause, benefitting the members of our elderly community.

“I’m happy to volunteer my time and we hope the work we have done in the garden makes a difference to their environment.”

Stephanie Cruse, manager at The Limes, said: “We have had a very valuable contribution to our day centre from Laleham Health and Beauty.

“One of the days included a personal approach by the volunteers offering hand massage and conversation to all our clients, a wonderful warming wellbeing for all.

“For the second day, we had a great team working on our garden. What a swift and efficient morning they spent covering all the jobs. Our garden is a summer sanctuary, so we now have a great start to the new season.”

Without the support of local businesses, many charity and community groups would struggle.

For more details about getting involved with the employee volunteering scheme run by Community First, e-mail [email protected] or call 0300 5008085.