They say that teamwork makes the dream work and that was certainly the case when Securitas partnered with children’s charity Wooden Spoon, Fusion Initiatives, and our client BAE Systems to build an outdoor "tactile trail" at a specialist school for children with autism.
Hillside Specialist School and College is the only educational setting in Lancashire that provides an environment specifically focused on the needs of students with autism. Whilst the school grounds include a number of outdoor activity areas, there was an opportunity to transform an under-used space into an interactive and sensory-focused ‘tactile trail’ for the students, and Securitas was delighted to be part of the collaborative effort that made it happen.
Wooden Spoon are a grant-making charity which, with the help of sponsors like Securitas, fund life-changing projects for children and young people. Guiding, liaising and managing the whole process were Fusion Initiatives, who work with charities like Wooden Spoon and businesses to blend team building activities with corporate social responsibility.
Building relationships
The build took place over two-days, with a team from Securitas forming part of the willing and able volunteer workforce. This was not our first collaboration with Wooden Spoon and Fusion Initiatives, earlier in the year we came together to create a sensory playground for the Walnut School in Milton Keynes, however, this project was a little different as we involved our client team at BAE Systems.
It’s perhaps no coincidence that Securitas, BAE Systems and Fusion Initiatives are all well-known for employing ex-British forces personnel. The skills learnt in the military – such as discipline, commitment, teamwork – are all highly transferable and valued within our respective sectors and they certainly came to the fore on this project. “I would recommend anyone who normally sits behind a desk to get out and do a project like this,” said Gary from Securitas, “You get to see and appreciate the other skills that colleagues have beyond the ones you normally see at work, and by working together in this environment you really get to know each other better.”
Day one of the build began with assigning of roles, responsibilities and planning the schedule of works. Day two, saw the 30-strong team get to work digging, sawing, drilling, hammering and painting (there was a fair share of bantering too)! Team spirit was fantastic, with everyone highly motivated by both working together in a different environment and by the intrinsic value of the project.
The ‘builders’ enjoyed putting their practical skills to good use for a brilliant cause. “I’ve done lots of team building activities during my career, but they have always been ‘for me’,” said Alison from Securitas, “This one was not about me at all but about doing something to support the children and the local community and that was really rewarding.”
Everyone wins
The end result was a colourful, interactive and safe play area that provides opportunities for the children at Hillside Specialist School and College to learn new skills and enjoy interacting with their surroundings and each other. “Without the help of Securitas, Wooden Spoon and Fusion Initiatives I don't think this trail would ever have been created, and now the students are using it every day” says Liz Ascroft, the School Business Manager. “It’s been transformational. Many of them have a long journey to school and the tactile trail is really good for helping them decompress and compose themselves before entering the classroom. A local special needs charity also come and use it at weekends,” she adds, “so it’s benefitting the community beyond the school too. From start to finish the whole thing has been fantastic.”
