How A2Dominion’s Social Purpose Team found the right skills to complete a project for young residents in Oxford

At one of A2Dominion’s young persons schemes in Oxford, the Social Purpose Team had invested in benches, tables and planters to help residents make better use of their shared outdoor space. The vision was simple: create a place where people could spend time together, relax outside and, in time, grow flowers or vegetables of their own.

However, the furniture still needed assembling.

Rather than letting the project stall, the team posted a request through Match My Project for support. They needed people with the right skills to turn boxes of flat-pack furniture into a space residents could enjoy.

Experience that fitted the project

Chas Berger has worked alongside housing providers for more than a century.

Since 1922, the company has built, refurbished and maintained homes, supporting housing associations through decades of change in the sector. When the opportunity appeared on Match My Project, it was the sort of practical contribution their team could provide immediately.

Luke and Jamie from Chas Berger volunteered their time to assemble the furniture, preparing the garden in time for residents to use throughout the summer.

“Geraldine and the team at Bullingdon Road approached me to see if we had the capacity to build the garden items that had been purchased for the residents. Jamie and I spent a morning on site building the planters, bench and mud kitchen, ready for the residents and their children to enjoy over the summer.”

Luke Culling

One conversation said everything

While the furniture was being assembled, one resident stepped out to ask if the new bench was for them; their face lit up when told that it was.

It was a small moment, but it reflected the purpose behind the project. The new seating gave residents a shared outdoor space where they could relax, meet neighbours and enjoy spending time together.

Reflecting on the project, Luke Culling said, 

“This project may not seem like a great deal of work, but it will give residents opportunities to enjoy the garden, and potentially grow some flowers or vegetables in their new planters.”

The impact was felt just as strongly by the residents.

“Luke and Jamie from Chas Berger did a fantastic job of assembling the garden furniture and equipment. The residents really appreciated their skills and kindness. Thank you.”

Emma McConnell

A transformation that will last 

A2Dominion’s Social Purpose Team had already spoken with residents, identified what would make the biggest difference, secured the furniture and planned how the garden could be used. With a clear understanding of what the community wanted, they were able to find the support needed to bring the plans to life.

For Chas Berger, it was a chance to put decades of housing experience into practice in a different way. For residents, it meant gaining an outdoor space that they can enjoy in the months and years to come. 

The furniture was assembled in a day, but the value of the partnership will be felt for much longer. 

About Match My Project

Match My Project connects community organisations with local businesses to deliver projects in local communities. Community organisations define what they need. Businesses contribute skills, resources and expertise where they have the greatest local impact. To find out how your organisation can get started, contact hello@matchmyproject.org.