A team of seven staff from Sodexo took part in a successful volunteer day organised jointly by RNAS Yeovilton Service Committee and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, transforming the site’s “mindfulness” garden – a key feature of the Sir Donald Gosling Lookout Wellbeing Centre.
The mindfulness garden project, part of SSAFA’s ongoing support for the serving Armed Forces community, benefitted from a full day’s effort from Sodexo volunteers, who mowed, weeded, pruned, planted, painted, swept and cleared – all with enthusiasm and team spirit. Located at RNAS Yeovilton (also known as HMS Heron – a “stone frigate” or Navy shore base treated as a commissioned ship), it provides a welcoming area for serving personnel and visitors.
The work did not go unnoticed. During the day, the group was visited by Commanding Officer Captain Duncan Thomas and Commander Anne Misiak, lead for the development of the project.
Cdr Misiak said:
“It was great to see the team of volunteers working so hard to keep the Mindfulness Garden in such fantastic order. Their attendance coincided with the Sir Donald Gosling Lookout Showcasing event and allowed the benefactors of the project to see, first hand, how well supported the RNAS Yeovilton community is.”
Sodexo, through the work of the Stop Hunger Foundation, has been a long-standing supporter of SSAFA, donating over £500,000 to the charity across the past 17 years. Operating across Ministry of Defence sites throughout the UK, Sodexo delivers catering and soft facilities management to meet the diverse needs of the whole force. It’s continued support is making a direct and visible impact on Armed Forces communities.
Patricia Hymas, Service Committee Chair, RNAS Yeovilton, said:
“This has been an inspiring day of teamwork and transformation. The mindfulness garden is such a vital part of the Donald Gosling Lookout Wellbeing centre, offering a peaceful space for those navigating the challenges of service life. We’re incredibly grateful to Sodexo’s volunteers for giving their time, energy, and good cheer to maintain and improve this valued haven.”
Matthew Kenyon, Service Manager at Sodexo, said:
“Volunteering with SSAFA to restore a wellness garden was a day filled with purpose and teamwork. Together, we rolled up our sleeves – digging, planting, painting, and bringing new life to a space designed for reflection and healing. It was incredible to see how much we could achieve by working side by side, united by a shared goal to support the wellbeing of serving personnel.”
Zoe Haynes, Manager at Sodexo, added:
“I really enjoyed the day – being able to help support such a great cause and seeing the end product of our work was amazing. I will be volunteering again.”
Plants were sourced from B&Q, supported by garden funding from Forces Mutual. B&Q also donated a significant quantity of additional plants free of charge – its generosity is deeply appreciated by the team. The newly refreshed garden features scented, perennial, pollinator-friendly planting, selected to encourage relaxation and promote mental wellbeing for all who use the LookOut centre.
SSAFA would like to extend sincere thanks to all volunteers, partners and supporters involved in making the day a success.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
