17 Aug 2026
Residents and staff at The Orchard care home held a special event to recognise and thank the St Albans U3A (University of the Third Age) for the incredible contribution they make to the community as part of this year’s national Volunteering Day.
It followed an invitation by St Albans U3A chairman Simon Browne to the home’s customer relations manager, Natalie Collard, to speak to members at their regular meeting about the many free community events, informative workshops, support groups and social activities that the care home hosts throughout the year.
Natalie explained that The Orchard wanted to create a welcoming space that is accessible to all, especially those who may feel lonely or isolated – an environment where people can make friendships, learn something new, and feel part of a caring community – and this resulted in closer links with the U3A in the months that followed, including performances by their guitar and ukelele group, and regular rummy and scrabble club sessions.
The Volunteering Day event at the Camp Road care home was organised as a thank you not just for these visits, but also for the U3A’s other work within the community.
Members shared stories about the wide range of volunteering they undertake, from entertaining care homes and community groups with live music, to organising litter-picking initiatives, supporting older people, running interest groups, and helping to bring people together through shared hobbies and activities.
The Orchard resident Erica particularly enjoyed meeting the group as she was once an active member of the U3A herself, and she reminisced about her time with the organisation and told members about the creative groups she attended, especially arts and crafts, poetry and other artistic activities.
Natalie said: “It was lovely to see Erica reconnect with something that has given her so much pleasure – and a reminder of how important it is to help residents stay in touch with the local community.
“Events like this demonstrate the importance of bringing people of all ages together. Volunteering has an incredible impact—not only on those receiving support, but also on those giving their time, skills and kindness.
“We are now having discussions around future creative activities for residents which might include arts and crafts, painting, poetry and music, and the celebration was the perfect opportunity for The Orchard and St Albans U3A to share experiences, strengthen community connections and celebrate the positive impact that volunteering has on so many people’s lives.
“We are incredibly grateful to every U3A volunteer for the difference they make within our community. A huge thank you to Simon Browne and all of the wonderful U3A members who joined us.
“We look forward to building on this new relationship and welcoming many more U3A groups into The Orchard in the months ahead.”
