Building Community Partnerships: The Profound Impact of Volunteering in Care Homes

As Head of Operations and Wellbeing at Lidder Care, providing exceptional care is about more than just meeting physical needs, it’s about fostering connections, building relationships, and contributing to the wider community. Recently, my team and I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local community dining charity, FoodCycle, which serves warm, nutritious meals to individuals facing food poverty, homelessness, or isolation. This experience not only reaffirmed my belief in the power of community partnerships but also highlighted how voluntary work can deeply enrich the care we provide in our own homes.

We arrived at the Magdalene Centre on a cold Wednesday afternoon, where we were warmly greeted by Sue Green, a regular volunteer who has been helping for over a year. She introduced us to Louise, the lead cook, who spoke about the unpredictable nature of their work – sometimes they have no idea what food they will receive for the day and how much. Despite this uncertainty, Louise and her team try their best to create a three course meal. As Sue explained, “Food poverty is deeply embarrassing for a lot of people. We don’t label what we’re doing as food donation; we just serve a meal for anyone who needs it.” This philosophy of inclusivity and dignity is at the heart of their efforts – ensuring no one feels marginalised, whether they are homeless, lonely, or simply in need of a warm meal.

From 3pm to 6pm, I worked alongside the team, peeling carrots, chopping vegetables, and preparing dishes. Adele, our Home Care Manager, had the role of hostess, responsible for organising the space and serving the food. Louise, a seasoned chef in the kitchen, ran a tight ship, ensuring that everything came together smoothly. We made a delicious carrot soup, sautéed paprika potatoes, and a savoury quiche. Louise and I tasted the soup together, adjusting the seasoning to perfection. It was a small, yet poignant moment of teamwork, where everyone’s contribution was valued. As the meal was served to the guests, I saw firsthand how food, when prepared with care and shared with kindness, can nourish more than just the body – it nourishes the soul.

As the guests sat down for their meal, many of them expressed their thanks. One individual even shouted, “10 out of 10!” as he left, a simple, heartfelt expression of gratitude. That evening, I left with a profound sense of fulfilment. The work carried out by the volunteers at FoodCycle was not just about food – it was about providing connection, dignity, and community. This is an empowering principle that we, as care home providers, should carry into our own homes and way of being.

The Importance of Community Partnerships

At Lidder Care we place great importance on community partnerships, strengthening the ties between our homes and the wider community. It creates a two-way relationship where both the care home and the community benefit. Volunteering initiatives allows us to understand the needs of those around us, particularly those who are often overlooked or marginalised. By engaging with local initiatives, we gain valuable insights that help inform how we approach care.

Community partnerships help reduce the isolation many people experience, especially the elderly and vulnerable. When we open our doors to the wider community, we are not only providing care but are also creating opportunities for social inclusion. The value of companionship, understanding, and shared experiences cannot be underestimated. By Volunteering at FoodCycle, I witnessed how a simple act – preparing and serving a meal – could forge deep connections. Many of the individuals who attended that evening came from backgrounds where they felt invisible or unheard. Yet, in that shared space, they felt seen, valued, and appreciated.

The Power of Voluntary Work: Leadership in Action

Voluntary work is one of the most powerful ways to give back to the community. It fosters empathy, humility, and a deeper understanding of the challenges others face. As caring leaders, it is an opportunity to lead by example. As Head of Operations, my participation in FoodCycle wasn’t just about offering my time – it was about demonstrating the values we uphold within our organisation. Leadership is one of the core Lidder care values; it is about guiding by example, setting the tone for our teams, and showing commitment to the communities we serve. It was an opportunity to demonstrate the power of leadership in action.

It builds trust and transparency and is a signal to both our employees and the community that we are not only in the business of care but also in the business of connection. The ripple effect goes far, as it encourages team members to get involved, fostering a culture of social responsibility, and enhancing the overall morale of our homes. It reminds us all that we do what we do because we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Leadership doesn’t solely mean managing employees or overseeing operations. It’s about being present, being involved, and leading by example. By stepping into the community and volunteering, this not only contributed to a cause but also demonstrated the importance of hands-on leadership. When our teams see us actively engaging with the community, it motivates them to follow suit, creating a culture of compassionate leadership that permeates every aspect of care.

The benefits of these community partnerships extend beyond the immediate impact of the volunteer work. They provide our care home residents with opportunities for engagement, intergenerational connections, and shared experiences. Whether it’s inviting local schools, community groups, or organisations like FoodCycle into our homes, we open the door to a world of possibilities. It’s through these connections that we can further enrich the lives of our residents, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose that enhances their well-being. The experience highlighted the importance of going beyond transactional relationships, to creating meaningful, supportive networks.

We must recognise that our role extends far beyond the walls of our homes. By leading in the community and forming strong partnerships, we enhance the care we offer and contribute to a more compassionate and connected society. As we continue to grow as leaders in the field of care, let us remember that true leadership is not just about guiding those within our organisation, but about reaching out, supporting, and connecting with the world around us.

Our Future in Volunteering

We were thrilled to see more of our team step up to support FoodCycle. Our Design Lead, Eleanor Savage, and Operations Coordinator, Chelsea Allcock, recently volunteered, crafting a delicious selection of starters, mains and desserts.

As part of our commitment to giving back, we’re excited to continue our partnership with the local community. Next, our Marketing Executive, Harry Kidger, and Design Lead, Eleanor Savage, will be joining the incredible team at FoodCycle Sutton-in-Ashfield, helping to provide meals to those In need and make a real difference.

At Lidder Care, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those in need. Volunteering with FoodCycle is just one of the many ways our team is working together to create a positive impact beyond our care homes in Mansfield. We look forward to continuing this journey and finding new opportunities to give back.