Nine members of Ward Security spent the day volunteering at Dandelion Time in West Farleigh, Maidstone. Dandelion Time, who were Kent Charity Awards finalists in 2021, help children, and their families, struggling with trauma, often arising from physical or emotional abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
Since 2003, this amazing charity have transformed the lives of over a thousand children and their families.
Based on a therapeutic farm setting, they give children and families time and space to love and trust again. Time to heal from emotional trauma and abuse, to rebuild confidence and strengthen relationships, to develop skills and aspirations for a brighter future. You can read more about the charity here: dandeliontime.org.uk.
The aim of the day, which coincided with being the hottest of the year so far, was to help maintain and improve the grounds for the visiting children and families. Team Ward were on hand to help wherever they could, being tasked with;
• Moving a pergola frame
• Setting up of tables in the woodworking area
• Moving chicken coops
• Raking and clearing, in preparation for the new Woodland Haven therapeutic area
• Mowing the grass
• Removing a wood-chip path
• Cleaning out the guinea pig cage
• Clearing a shaded area ready for to set up and use for food storage.
What did Team Ward have to say about their experience?
Abby Drysdale, Business Development Advisor at Ward, comments, “It felt really good knowing no matter how small or big the task may have been, it will benefit the families that will use Dandelion Time which makes it all worth it.”
Lewis Stroud, Intelligence Analyst Apprentice, added, “It really was a privilege to be able to help Dandelion Time. Despite the heat, it was fun to be able to bond with the rest of our team, but more importantly working hard helping such friendly people, with such a worthy cause, really helped me sleep like a log that night! Also, they let us work in the shade and gave us ice-poles, what more could we ask!?”
Brian Stroud, S.H.E.Q. Director, summed up by saying “Days like these have so many benefits. Firstly, and foremostly, we are there to work and support the charity in whatever way we can to allow their team to do the amazing job they do, which is very rewarding in itself. Working on the farm, being around the greenery and animals, you also get a real sense of the therapeutic benefit the children and families must feel. In addition, the feelgood factor of a day spent with colleagues on behalf of such a great cause, naturally creates excellent team building activities for any organisation.”
Caroline Fish, Relationship Manager at Dandelion Time, comments “The team at Dandelion Time are all so grateful for Ward’s hard work, once again. In blazing heat they completed so many essential tasks without complaint! They did so much to further enhance our site for our vulnerable children and their families.
Ward’s support and generosity enables us to make a real difference, transforming the lives of children across Kent. We’re delighted to have them as partners!”
