Volunteers’ Week 2025
Seetec colleagues are awarded two paid days each year which can be used to volunteer their services to a worthwhile cause.
So it comes as no surprise that some of our employee-owners have been rolling their sleeves up and pulling on their welly boots to help with a cleaning project during Volunteers’ Week 2025.
Emma, Joan, Rosie, Cat and Monica joined a team from Essex Waterways – along with Bella the assistance dog – to help clean Hoe Mill Lock on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation in Essex.
The inclement British weather didn’t dampen their spirits as they climbed aboard their boat – armed with rakes, spades and wheelbarrows – and set off to clear the banks of weeds and rubbish.
And they aren’t the only Seetec colleagues who’ve been offering their time to help others. Up and down the country, from Cornwall to Chester, Essex to Ellesmere Port and beyond, our employee-owners have been getting involved in voluntary projects.
Mammoth task
Members of the Kent Personal Wellbeing Team recently chose to use one of their volunteering days to support their local zoo.
Their main job involved preparing large dinosaur models for inspection by their German owners, whose Jurassic display is a popular zoo attraction.
Armed with cleaning supplies and guided by a volunteer supervisor, the team took on the mammoth challenge with good humour and a positive attitude.
These prehistoric monsters range from 18 inches to 17ft high! And the team tells us it was more than just fun, it really helped with team building and problem solving too.
Animal magic
Meanwhile Orla, a health and wellbeing coach with our community interest company, Pluss, has been clearing hedgerows for the Dorset Wildlife Trust at Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, near Weymouth.
She’s also been volunteering at her local RSPCA centre:
“I cleaned out all of the cats’ enclosures, emptying, refilling and replacing litter trays, replacing or tidying the bedding, and completing the individual report notes,” she tells us.
“And all without letting them escape; which was a challenge at times!
“It was actually more difficult getting some of them back in ha ha!
“In the afternoon it was cuddle time. Lovely!
“It was really nice to help in a local charity that I didn’t know was there. We will be going back again.”
Let’s face it – everyone loves a good cuddle time!
Reaching out
Anita is one of Seetec’s career advisers and also a volunteer for Reaching Out, Liverpool.
“We go out every Monday evening with clothes, food, toiletries and more importantly, chats,” she tells us.
“I’ve been doing this with the best group of people for over three years now. We are not a charity, we just run this ourselves.
“I’m in charge of clothes donations where I put links up on social media asking anyone who is having a clear-out to consider us and I collect.
“Other members cook hot food, or make up sandwich bags. Cooking’s not my thing so I stick to doing clothes,” she laughs.
Why we do it
Seetec is a company crammed full of people whose prime purpose is to help others. People who believe they achieve by helping others to achieve.
We could list many more colleagues who are doing just that; like assistant employment coach Nevil who covers Seetec’s Taunton and Bridgwater offices.
He’ll be heading to Cornwall soon to carry out an accessibility audit at National Trust Godolphin.
He’ll be there to check out some routes for Countryside Mobility South West – a project run by Living Options Devon – to ensure it’s accessible for people with mobility challenges.
Or Andrew, an Integration Lead at Seetec who, like many other colleagues, voluntarily donates blood to the NHS service three or four times a year.
He made his 68th donation just last week!
Unfortunately, we don’t have the space to name them all – so we’ll call the rest our silent heroes! And we thank them all, each and every one of them!
What the boss says
Seetec’s Executive Chairman, John Baumback is a keen advocate of volunteering and he encourages colleagues to make use of their two days each year:
“It’s important,” he says, “because it reflects our commitment to social responsibility and helps strengthen the connection between our people and the communities we serve.”
Emma, Rosie, Joan and Monica preparing to get a little wet!
“It provides colleagues with a meaningful opportunity to give back, develop new skills, and build relationships outside of their usual work environment,” John continues.
Ultimately, it’s a small investment of time that can make a big difference – for our colleagues, our communities, and our culture in the Seetec Way.
John Baumback, Executive Chairman, Seetec Group
Lest we forget
And we don’t forget our own volunteers and the amazing work they do either.
This week, we’ve been busy sending out sunflower thank-you packages to our amazing volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week UK!
Their dedication, kindness, and hard work make a real difference, and we’re so grateful for all they do.
This year, we’re extending the celebrations by making June our Volunteer Appreciation Month, because one week simply isn’t enough to recognise the incredible impact they have!
And as the boss says: “Volunteering also fosters a sense of pride and purpose, which can positively impact wellbeing, engagement, and team morale.”
We couldn’t agree more! Happy volunteering!
