International volunteers bring a burst of community spirit to Malvern
Thirty six volunteers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, have spent a week strengthening community projects across Malvern and Powick, thanks to an initiative co-ordinated by Nick Richardson, our Community Engagement Officer
The visitors – a youth and adult team on a seven day field trip organised through church links – worked alongside local residents, our customers and partner organisations last month. Their itinerary included:
- Elgar Community Garden, Malvern Link – litter picking, removing debris from flowerbeds and planting a commemorative tree;
- Malvern Help Centre (MTFC) - offering digital skills support and friendly conversation to centre users;
- Link Nurseries, Powick – weeding, clearing paths and preparing new therapeutic planting areas as part of the Stepway veteran wellbeing project, itself Community Chest funded;
- St Mary’s Church grounds and other green spaces – general clean ups and gardening tasks;
- Cultural visits to Worcester Cathedral and a closing hike to the Malvern Beacon with local congregations.
Nick said: “This was our first opportunity to host an overseas volunteer group and the energy they brought was incredible. They worked side by side with local volunteers and our customers, improving public spaces and forging friendships that transcends language and culture.
Sarah Floyd, Campus Co-ordinator of Calvary Church Great Malvern said: “Seeing the group engage so enthusiastically with our local community projects was inspiring and the feedback we received from all involved was extremely positive and encouraging. Their presence here in Great Malvern and beyond has offered great support to our campus and helped demonstrate how global connections can make a very local difference.”
The visit grew out of our collaboration with Community Action Malvern & District and local faith groups. It forms part of our wider drive to:
- Promote digital empowerment for residents – volunteers support Help Centre users with smartphone and tablet basics;
- Enhance green, therapeutic spaces – improvements at Link Nurseries will benefit veterans and families who reply on the site for wellbeing activities;
- Strengthen community cohesion – shared volunteering reduces isolation, builds intercultural understanding and encourages pride of place.
Nick hopes the success of this pilot will pave the way for future international volunteer exchanges. He concluded: “We’d love to welcome more groups from overseas. Experiences like this break down stereotypes celebrate diversity and leave a positive legacy for everyone involved.”
Photo caption : Volunteers from New Mexico in Malvern