Employees from leading facilities management company VINCI Facilities have helped transform the outdoor spaces at St John’s Hospice, enhancing an important area for patients and their families through a dedicated volunteering initiative.
A team of volunteers visited our hospice as part of the company’s Stand Out Make a Difference (SOMAD) Day, a programme that gives staff paid time to support their local communities.
The project held special meaning for VINCI Facilities volunteer Sam Johnston, who was inspired to take part after his mum received care at the hospice in February 2024, just before his 20th birthday.
Sam said:
“The hospice became a place of comfort at the most difficult time for my family.
“The garden played a huge role in improving my mum’s wellbeing, even for a short while. Being able to give something back to a place that means so much to us, and to support the incredible staff who care for people when they need it most, means everything.”
During the day, volunteers worked together to revitalise the hospice’s garden and surrounding outdoor areas, spaces that offer patients and their loved ones a chance to rest, reflect, and spend precious time together in a peaceful environment.
The project was made possible thanks to generous support from local VINCI Facilities partners, including Lyndhurst Cooling and Heating Services, A Cumberlidge Ltd, and Johnson’s Facilities. Donations of plants, materials, and fencing helped maximise the transformation and ensure a lasting impact.
St John’s Hospice Fundraising Co-ordinator Neil Firbank said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to VINCI Construction UK and everyone who volunteered their time to support us.
“Our outdoor spaces are funded by our charity and are so important to the people we care for. They provide a quiet place for families to be together, reflect, and find a moment of peace.
“This collaborative effort highlights the powerful role of community partnerships in supporting local healthcare services and enhancing environments that bring comfort to patients and families during incredibly challenging times.”
He added:
“The care and dedication shown in improving our garden will be felt by so many, and we can’t thank everyone involved enough for their kindness and generosity.”
Published: June 24, 2026