Blogs

In addition to providing our clients with competitively tendered Frameworks for building works, goods, and services throughout LHC Procurement Group, on a regional and national scale, SWPA is committed to delivering tangible social value and community benefits in meeting local and regional needs as well.

Our mission is to improve lives and places through quality procurement solutions by maximising public benefit, re-investing surplus in communities, and through living our values. As part of our pledge to live our values all employees are allocated 1.5 days paid volunteering per year, which in turn enables the team to support and invest in their local communities in the South West.

Dominika Dawn, SWPA’s Business Coordinator has begun to use her volunteering allocation at Dartmoor, in Devon. The aim of the volunteering here was for the habitat management of Dartmoor, maintaining it and making it look good. Dominika was tasked with tidying a pathway in Yarner Woods, where she used tools to trim down bracken, cut wood and pull weeds.

This is part of a regular programme of conservation work days planned for every second Sunday at Haytor, Dartmoor. This type of work typically includes habitat management and keeping the site looking good, for the hikers and the various ecosystems present there as well.

The initiative, namely Help the Rangers at Haytor includes a variety of practical work being carried on habitat management and archaeological sites, as well as keeping the iconic Dartmoor location looking good.

The Rangers at Haytor appreciated the contribution - “Thank you Dominika for your time and effort in clearing out the path in Yarner Woods. You contribution has helped to keep the path tidy for walkers to enjoy.”

Dominika comments - “It was great to see everyone working together to clear the path in Yarner Woods. I have hiked on Dartmoor may times, so for me it was very satisfying to contribute my time to keep Dartmoor tidy for other people to enjoy.”

Poppy Stockport, SWPA’s Marketing and Communications Officer, also completed her volunteering, by donating her time to Roots Community Enhancement. Roots Community Enhancement is a registered Community Interest Company which means they are run not for profit. This group has been set up for local people needing support, which they should be able to access without any financial concerns. 

Roots Community Enhancement runs bereavement support groups, a carers club, along with multiple clubs for parents and children, and mental health support. Many people within the Dawlish and Teignmouth area appreciate and rely on these groups, which are really popular amongst the local community.

Poppy commented, “It was great to be able to use my marketing skills to help this group, and their great initiatives.”

Poppy used her marketing skills to contribute by creating marketing collateral and flyers to promote the groups and ensure as many people know about the support, as possible. Poppy also suggested social media posts, created additional content, along with flyer templates for further use, should more be needed.

Rosie from Roots Community Enhancement commented “It’s all fabulous! We have had a really busy few weeks but I’m going to start looking for funding for printing so we can get the new flyers out!”