Published 5th December 2018.

DE&S graduates and apprentices have continued the relationship with Cossham Gardens by donating their time to help deck the halls and spread some festive cheer

A group of DE&S graduates, apprentices and interns have brought some festive cheer to residents at a local home for disabled residents.

After a corporate team from the private sector had to cancel, DE&S stepped in to help decorate the home in Kingswood, Bristol which is run by charity Leonard Cheshire.

Cossham Gardens is a purpose-built home for 21 physically disabled adults.

Sixteen volunteers from DE&S Project Professional early talent schemes helped to put up decorations around the home and ran an arts and crafts session to create flower garlands.

Simon Fewell, from the Project Professional Capability Team, said: “We were asked to step in after another group pulled out and were pleased to swing into action.

“Leonard Cheshire needed some keen and creative Christmas decorators to help them make the home lovely and Christmassy and I think we certainly did that.”

Leonard Cheshire supports individuals to live, learn and work as independently as they choose, whatever their ability, and is led by people with experience of disability.

Michelle Wareham, Volunteer Coordinator at Cossham Gardens, said: “We had a really busy day and Cossham now looks ready for the festive season.

“We are really grateful to DE&S for sending their volunteers and look forward to seeing them again when return in the new year and our partnership with DE&S continues.”