Walls Team Brings New Life to YMCA Surbiton: A Week of Volunteering and Transformation

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we are always thrilled to see the community unite to support our initiatives. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming a dedicated team from Wall’s Ice Cream for a week of volunteering at YMCA Surbiton. Their mission? To transform our communal area into a vibrant and welcoming space for our residents and to beautify the exterior of our building with new plants.

A Week of Transformation

From the moment they arrived, the Wall’s team brought an infectious energy and a clear vision for the project. Their primary focus was the communal area, a central hub for residents to socialise and unwind. Understanding the importance of a warm and inviting space, the team set out to design and decorate this area with great enthusiasm.

Creating a Welcoming Communal Area

During the week, the volunteers from Wall’s worked tirelessly to improve the communal area. They painted the walls, assembled furniture, and added personal touches that transformed the space into a cosy and inviting environment. The area now boasts bright colours and comfortable seating arrangements that welcome residents and encourage them to spend time together, building a stronger sense of community.

This transformation significantly contributes to our Psychologically Informed Environment at YMCA St Paul’s Group, where we aim to adapt and improve the spaces available to engage and support people. Our buildings and outside spaces impact the wellbeing of our customers and staff. By reviewing and thoughtfully selecting the colours, layout, and finer details, we create calm, inviting, and homely places.

One of the standout features of the new communal area is a beautifully painted geometric wall that adds life and energy to the space. There are now frames on the Wall’s for residents to add their photos, a seating area for one-on-one conversations between residents and staff, donated books for residents to read in the communal area, stationery for residents to use at the desk and chairs area, and a sofa area where residents can sit and chat with each other.

We are keen for residents to be involved in this process, so we co-produce ideas and changes, ensuring that the environment reflects their needs and preferences. This inclusive approach not only enhances the physical space but also fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among the residents, further supporting their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Green Fingers at Work

The Wall’s team continued at the communal area. They extended their efforts outside the building, planting various flowers and shrubs that have significantly enhanced the curb appeal of YMCA Surbiton. The new plants add a splash of colour and a touch of nature, creating a more inviting and pleasant atmosphere for everyone who visits.

A Grateful Community

The impact of the Wall’s Ice Cream team’s hard work has been profound. Our residents now have a beautifully decorated communal area to relax, socialise, and enjoy each other’s company. The outdoor improvements have made our building more welcoming and attractive, boosting everyone’s overall morale at YMCA Surbiton.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for the Wall’s Ice Cream team to connect with the local community and each other during our annual ‘Week Of Joy’. Everyone who took part really felt connected to the YMCA during the project and came away with better knowledge of the organisation, its focus and awareness of all the good work they do in supporting their residents.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

“We can’t thank Wall’s enough for their generosity, dedication and attention to detail. The team redesigned and furnished the lounge with such care to cater to the specific needs of our Surbiton residents. The new look lounge has made a positive impact and is encouraging more social interactions among residents.” – Latoya Bloomfield, Employability and Skills Officer

Please visit our volunteering page for more information about our initiatives and how you can get involved.