8 September 2026
White Oaks, the senior living division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is continuing its programme of volunteering through engagement activities across a number of its partner sites, with bug hotel creation sessions held this summer.
Colleagues from across job roles such as operations, culinary, business development and marketing have taken part in the activity, supporting residents at several senior living sites in the South East of England. Together they have been helping to build, paint and install colourful bug hotels - to support biodiversity while bringing creativity, conversation and enjoyment into their care communities.
The crafting sessions provide an opportunity for residents to spend quality time with friends, meet new people and enjoy a shared experience together. Accompanied by refreshments, the activity also encourages conversations between residents, White Oaks teams and care colleagues.
Residents were provided with a range of decorating supplies to create colourful and unique bug hotel designs. Some residents chose to display them in the home's gardens, while others placed them in their own private garden spaces or gifted them to family members.
This activity forms part of White Oaks' ongoing programme of volunteering and delivering social value and follows previous sessions, where colleagues worked with residents to decorate plant pots and plant herbs.
Volunteering is a central part of the social value impact delivered across Compass Group UK & Ireland through its Our Social Promise, with a commitment to give back to local communities and positively impact one million lives by 2030.
Laura Tighe, Managing Director at White Oaks said: “These events help strengthen the sense of community, encourage social interaction and create meaningful moments, while also highlighting the importance of environmental initiatives within care home communities. It was fantastic to see these sessions being thoroughly enjoyed by both residents and colleagues, and we’re thrilled to hear that residents are already asking when the next activity will take place.”
Sharon Davies, Housing Officer at Town & Country Housing said: “Our residents absolutely loved having some of the White Oaks team join us for this session. Volunteering like this does more than fill a couple of hours; it boosts social interaction, sparks conversations and reminds our residents that they're valued members of the wider community. Plus, the lovely bug hotels are bringing lots of joy! We're grateful to White Oaks for their time and generosity, and we're already looking forward to welcoming them back.”
