• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Thursday February 16 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Aster Group apprentices transform stables at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital

Apprentices from housing association Aster Group have helped transform stables at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital.

Four apprentices and eight other employees from Aster were on hand during National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February 2023) to treat the wood on newly-built stables and fix electrics so that lights could be installed.

Thanks to donations of paint from Jewson Partnerships, the stables will stay in better condition for longer. The lights which were installed using materials donated by John Cribbs will also enable staff at the hospital to use the stables all year round – even during colder, darker evenings.

Jessica Scull, apprenticeship partner at Aster Group said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to have been able to give back to our local community. It really goes to prove that forming a team and working together can achieve fantastic results. This will enable Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital to continue to do the fantastic work they do, supporting those animals desperately in need of their help.”.

Marilyn Korkis, wildlife care supervisor from Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital said: “The work done will make a fantastic amount of difference to the baby deer. It’ll give them peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital. They’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. It’s just fantastic.”

The Aster Foundation is the housing association’s registered charity and helped to arrange the volunteering as part of its commitment to enable better lives and invest in communities.

Chris Stenlake, head of social impact at Aster Group, said: “Part of our commitment under the Aster Foundation is all about connecting community organisations with our volunteers, so they have the skills and resources they need to thrive.

“Volunteering not only helps support mental health and wellbeing but can be a great way to gain skills and experience while engaging with the local community. We’re really proud of the commitment and generosity of our apprentices who donated their time to make a difference.”

Aster is committed to helping those looking to start their career or up-skill in other areas through its apprenticeship programme. The business is proud to currently have 29 full-time apprentices and 141 existing employees up-skilling.