Sodexo volunteers visit Ayrshire River Garden charity to share expertise and support growth of community café
A team of Sodexo volunteers visited River Garden Auchincruive, a charity supporting people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, to provide valuable practical support to residents, staff and local volunteers.
The River Garden’s approach focuses on engaging residents in meaningful work through horticulture, woodcraft workshops and its Bothy Café to support them in their recovery and provide opportunities for future employment.
Sodexo’s team of volunteers included chefs and general services managers and together they worked with residents and volunteers working in the Bothy Café to review its practices such as labour and menu management, helping them to better manage costs to generate more income for the charity.
Two culinary masterclasses were held for residents in the café providing not only useful cooking techniques but also ways they can prepare healthy, nutritious meals on a budget; how they can make the most of store cupboard staples; reduce food waste and manage food costs. Practical skills to support independent living for the residents when they have completed the programme and reintegrate into society.
The visit to River Garden was inspiring. Seeing the grounds, the great community café and meeting the staff, volunteers and residents gave us a true understanding of the need for places like River Garden.
Residents are learning how to grow produce and are using what they grow, alongside other local ingredients to create delicious dishes for visitors in the Bothy Café. It was great to be able to share our knowledge and experience and help review their practices in areas such as labour management, menu development and find ways to improve processes for the café so it runs more efficiently and ultimately makes more profit for River Garden.
We were also able to share culinary skills and recipes the residents can take away with them. Our chefs are passionate about their craft, but just as importantly they love sharing their knowledge and helping others develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen. This two-day visit is only the start, our team will keep in touch with River Garden and organise follow-up visits to continue to support the charity, its residents and staff.
Sodexo has a strong presence in Scotland delivering food and facilities management services to clients ranging from independent schools, government agencies and energy companies. The Sodexo volunteers included: David Ward, Sandro Ventisei, Jordan Lowe, Glen Miller, Lisa Pitcairn, Yvonne Slattery, Billie Hyslop, Adam Batterham, Lucy Wheelton and Laura Wilison.
Partnering with the Sodexo has been a fantastic experience for the Bothy Café. Over the two days, their team worked closely with us to review our operations, identify our pinch points, and map out potential improvements to ensure every customer has a highly positive experience.
Beyond the operational support, the amazing Laura Wilison led two fabulous demonstration sessions with our residents, sharing her skills through savoury and a sweet dish. We want to extend a huge thank you to all of the Sodexo team. You brought not just your outstanding expertise to River Garden, but a genuine love of food and incredibly big hearts.
As a purpose-led business Sodexo understands the positive impact supporting people and strengthening places has on local communities. The company prioritises community impact through a comprehensive volunteering policy where its employees receive three paid days to support local and national charities aligned to its commitment within its Social Impact Pledge 2030. {link to be added}
River Garden supports people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction through a holistic six-month residential programme based around purpose, professional therapeutic care and community. It works in partnership with Simon Community Scotland which supports people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Scotland through accommodation, care, information, advice and other support services.
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