At Taurus Crafts in Gloucestershire, something special is taking root, and it’s all thanks to the dedication of our volunteers.
For years, Jenny, one of the people we support, has been a familiar and valued presence at Taurus Crafts. As a long-standing volunteer, she has played a key role in caring for our community garden, known as the Wonderpod. Through her time in the garden, Jenny has developed practical skills, built confidence, and gained meaningful life experience; all while enjoying the many wellbeing benefits that come from spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.
Gardening offers so much more than just a beautiful space. It can reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a sense of purpose and achievement. For Jenny, volunteering has been a way to grow in independence, take pride in her contributions, and be part of something bigger.
More recently, Jenny has been joined by other generous volunteers from the local community, including Kieran, who has been lending a helping hand to bring new ideas and energy to the space. Together, they are helping to transform the Wonderpod into a vibrant sensory garden; a place designed to be enjoyed by everyone. From visitors and team members to trainees in our Severnside Skills programme, the garden will offer a welcoming environment to relax, explore, and connect.
This shared effort highlights the true impact of volunteering. It’s not just about giving time, it’s about building connections, developing skills, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Robin, a long-standing volunteer at Taurus Crafts, shares how his journey reflects this impact:
“My relationship with Taurus Crafts started several years ago, whilst I was working for EDF’s Nuclear business in Gloucester. EDF ran a scheme called ‘Force for Good’ whereby you could take up to two days per year to volunteer in the local community. The Finance team that I worked in chose to support Taurus Crafts, and on several occasions we would arrive en masse to do gardening activities, painting, general DIY activities or to help get ready for special events. During these visits we got to meet a lot of the staff and the supported adults and could see what a great job the centre did in providing work experience and developing skills through the Severnside Skills training programme.
When I retired last summer, I decided to continue to volunteer at Taurus Crafts, initially just continuing to undertake gardening and other such duties, but more recently I have been involved in recruiting and organising other volunteers, specifically to develop and maintain the Wonderpod Garden area at Taurus. We are making great progress and a generous donation from EDF has enabled us to buy some plants and landscaping materials.
I have also been assisting one of the Taurus team with some financial modelling and excel skills and will hopefully find other ways that I can utilise my skills and background to support Taurus in the future.”
Robin’s experience shows how volunteering can evolve over time, from team volunteering days to long-term, skills-based support, and how individuals can continue to make a meaningful contribution in new ways.
EDF Energy have continued to support Taurus Crafts through corporate volunteering, with team members most recently helping us to transform the Wonderpod garden space. Their contribution has played an important role in developing this welcoming sensory environment for the people we support, trainees, staff and visitors to enjoy. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our corporate volunteers and the positive impact they help create.
A huge thank you to every volunteer who has contributed to this project so far. Their time, care and commitment are helping to turn a vision into reality.
If you’re interested in volunteering at Camphill Village Trust, find out more information here and contact us!
