Community Spirit: Robertson FM and LifeScan Volunteer to Help L’Arche Charity

Robertson Facilities Management (FM) has supported the remodelling of a garden facility to enhance the user experience at an Inverness community-based charity.

As part of Robertson FM's commitment to improve communities where they work, the team at the Life Sciences Innovation Centre heard about the meaningful work L'Arche Highland do and its need to improve its outside areas, and so along with employees of LifeScan were inspired to volunteer.

The main goal was to make the charity's grounds safer for the Inverness residents and to spruce up the outside area. Works included: removing a trip hazard of uneven steps and replacing them with a slope, to provide safe and easy access to the garden; clearing and removing garden rubbish; weeding and general gardening. The team were able to provide additional enhancement to the facility by putting bark chips around the building.

Adrian Mole, managing director at Robertson Facilities Management, said: "At Robertson, it is focal for us to make a positive impact to the surrounding communities of where we work. It has been an honour to collaborate with the charity, L'Arche, in improving its facilities. The work they do is exceptional, and we hope we have made life at the charity a little easier. I am immensely proud of everyone who got involved to support a truly deserving cause."

Alice Masheter, garden and environmental workshop leader at L'Arche Inverness, said: "We are very grateful for the willing volunteers from Lifescan and Robertson, who helped to make our grounds more accessible during their volunteer day. The kind donation of gardening tools from Robertson have already been put to good use. We would like to give a big thank you from L'Arche Highland."

The works which are already making a big difference to L'Arche are in line with the Robertson 2030 Responsible Business Strategy. By 2030 Robertson will have enhanced the lives of 10,000 people, by creating work placements and job opportunities, and by supporting apprenticeships, upskilling and new qualifications. In addition to engaging in communities where they work, creating social value, and enabling inclusive growth.

L'Arche, founded in 1964, France, has a distinctive model of community life when assisting people, which has extended across the world. The L'Arche site in Inverness has a day centre for adults with learning disabilities as well as a range houses for people with learning disabilities to call home.