On Tuesday 21st April, eight members of the K2 UK team headed to Sutton Scotney (near Winchester) to take part in a gardening day at Naomi and Jack’s.
Naomi and Jack’s (formerly Naomi House & Jacksplace) provide support to life-limited babies, children and young people – and their families – from across central southern England. They offer specialist short breaks, emergency respite, therapeutic support, community outreach, end of life care, bereavement support, and more.
Alongside 18 bedrooms for overnight stays across two hospices, other facilities available to families include the hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and an expansive outside space. Every year the charity invites corporate partners to come and help get their gardens ready to be enjoyed by families over the summer months – they also offer opportunities to tend to the space at other points throughout the year.
The gardening days at Naomi and Jack’s have become a highlight of the K2 UK volunteering calendar, with members of the team having taken part every year since K2 and the K2 Foundation began supporting the charity in 2023.
On this most recent visit, following a short induction, the K2 volunteer team was split into two groups, each taking on a different task. The first group were responsible for painting the outside of two buildings; the second took on the job of removing weeds from between paving slabs outside bedrooms and common areas.
Reflecting on the experience, K2 Social Media Specialist, Kumba Dauda, says:
“It was my first time volunteering at Naomi and Jack’s, and it was truly a day well spent. Rolling up my sleeves and working together to get the garden ‘summer ready’ will enable the young adults in residence to relax and enjoy the outdoor space as the warmer weather comes. I’d highly recommend anyone looking to use their charitable leave to get involved – it’s a rewarding opportunity to give back and such a worthy cause.”
Commenting on the charity’s ongoing partnership with K2, Senior Fundraiser (Corporate Partnerships) at Naomi and Jack’s, Lynda Crook, adds:
“This is the fourth year running that a team from K2 has volunteered in our gardens. This time around they were focussing on making sure Jacksplace gardens and Jesters are absolutely the most inviting spaces possible for our young adults as the summer months approach and activities outside increase.
Lynda continues:
“Volunteering is an important part of partnership working, ensuring that our partners can directly contribute and observe the impact they are making – whilst having a fabulous and rewarding break away from the office with their colleagues. Thank you K2!”
K2 employees are given two days paid leave per annum to be used to support charitable activities, e.g. by participating in volunteering initiatives like this one.
