Volunteering
Each year, the Trust provides financial support for apprentices from our internal and external apprenticeship scheme to undertake much needed volunteering activity in our local community.
Funded by the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, the volunteering projects form part of the company’s commitment to supporting the local community, whilst aiming to further develop the apprentices’ interpersonal skills in teamwork and leadership.
In June this year, the Trust provided £8,000 worth of funding to enable our Apprentices to make a difference by supporting four wonderful local projects.
2023 Projects
Age UK
Age UK Chaddesden branch provide support for over 300 people each week which include Dementia and Alzheimer friendly activities. Following four days of hard work, their centre is now a vibrant and welcoming space with improved accessibility for all.
Di Cliff, Chaddesen Centre Development Worker, Age UK said
Thank you isn’t enough. The apprentices showed such kindness, they are a credit! The project left us all emotional and proud to have known you - we won’t forget you.”
YMCA
Derby YMCA, an independent Christian charity, are committed to helping young people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Apprentices pulled out the stops to re-energise the communal area of their allotment, delivering a quiet and secluded area for all YMCA residents.
Matt Taylor, Youth & Community Manager, Derby YMCA said
The group have been so proactive. Moving material in mud and rain, never giving up, shovelling tonnes of soil, and having a ‘can do’ attitude. I can't thank them enough for a week of true grit and determination.”
Umbrella
Umbrella support children & young people aged 5 to 30 with additional needs, including physical, sensory, learning & behavioural disabilities. Apprentices rolled up their sleeves to transform the final piece of their building, refurbishing the playhouse, making a sensory wall and revamping their quiet room.
Ann Rowlands, Chief Executive, Umbrella Derby & Derbyshire said
The apprentices were absolutely amazing. Their attention to detail and enthusiasm was infectious and I cannot tell you how incredibly grateful we are for their support. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet such a wonderful group of young people.”
Spirit and Soul
Spirit and Soul offer nature based, animal assisted and equine facilitated learning opportunities to promote positive mental wellbeing. Apprentices worked hard to improve access to the therapy building, whilst creating calming seating and storage areas.
Sarah, Founder, Spirit & Soul said
The team delivered everything we needed and more. The standard of work was incredible, they organised and handled everything. We are really pleased with the outcome.”
2022 Projects
Aquarius
The first project was at Aquarius in Derby, where they strive to help people overcome the harms of alcohol, drugs and gambling, four days of hard work left their users with a bright and useable outdoor garden. This included a communal seating and barbeque area, a calming water feature, raised beds and a memorial garden.
Jamie Gratton, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:
The way the Toyota Apprentices interacted with our clients, peers and volunteers is a credit to how upstanding, caring and genuine people they truly are. They have made a huge difference to our clients, and we are extremely thankful to them.
Royal School for the Deaf, Derby
Just up the road, the Royal School for the Deaf cater for approximately 120 children. A fantastic make-over transformed a concrete space into a painted chess floor and football pitch Sensory items, planters and beautifully painted benches also added colour to a once bland, unused space.
Helen Shepherd, Head Teacher, Royal School for the Deaf said:
We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm and care of the apprentices who tackled each challenge with a smile. It is wonderful to see the children discovering something new each day in their new playground.
Holbrook School
Last, but not least, Holbrook School - a specialist school for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities, were delighted with the foundations of their new Forest School site, which included an amazing fire pit and seating area.
Emily Driver, Holbrook School said “Our Forest School site has only just begun to be developed and the new Barefoot Walk, Tyre Run, Bug hotel and fire pit with seating have started this process with enthusiasm . Thank you to all the apprentices - their hard work, commitment and passion will be appreciated for years to come.“
Funded by the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, the volunteering projects form part of the company’s commitment to supporting the local community, whilst aiming to further develop the apprentices’ interpersonal skills in teamwork and leadership.
Jim Crosbie, Trustee for the Charitable Trust, and Deputy Managing Director at Toyota Manufacturing UK commented:
What a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to put their skills to good use, whilst benefitting some amazing local organisations - a win, win all round.
Unfortunately, due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, our 2020 projects have been delayed until 2021.Projects have been selected, however, should you be aware of any local charities or organisations who may benefit from a helping hand in the future, please contact the External Affairs Team.
If you are aware of any local charities or organisations who may benefit from a helping hand in the future, please contact the External Affairs Team.