Starling Bank volunteers transform outdoor area into sensory garden for RCT children

A team of Starling Bank volunteers have taken an unused space at an Action for Children short breaks service in Rhydyfelin and transformed it into an interactive sensory garden for children with disabilities. 

Ten members of staff from Starling Bank’s Cardiff branch took a volunteering day to bring plants, interactive gadgets and a fresh redecoration that will enable children with disabilities to use the sensory garden all year round. 

 Rhondda Short Breaks at Ash Square, Rhydyfelin provides respite care for children and young people from Rhondda Cynon Taf who have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. Many of the children supported have substantial and highly complex needs; playing outside benefits their health, wellbeing and development.

Judith Kirkby, a Children Services Manager for Action for Children who oversees the Ash Square service, said: ‘The Starling Bank team did a fantastic job on the sensory garden. They were so keen and really got stuck in. It’s an area that used to house a trampoline and was only used occasionally. This transformation flows seamlessly from our sensory room bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out.  

‘The children will now be able to use the garden 52 weeks of the year, watching the plants grow and tasting the food that will be growing there. There’s still work to be done and I’m delighted to say the volunteers have asked to come back and do another volunteering day – of course, we said yes!’

 Action for Children recently launched a partnership with Starling Bank, which focuses on helping families manage their finances and boost financial literacy for parents. Volunteering opportunities are available to Starling Bank employees in locations where the bank has offices, including London, Cardiff, Southampton and soon Manchester. 

Zuzanna Daniel, Internal Communications Manager at Starling Bank said: “Our employees really enjoy supporting Action for Children. There are so many ways to get involved. From giving your time to dedicated projects, to raising funds so more children in the UK can have a safe childhood, and helping families get better at managing money – this partnership is immensely rewarding for everyone.”