Green Fingered Irwin Mitchell Volunteers Recreate Primary School Playground For Give & Gain Day

Today 20 members of staff from national law firm Irwin Mitchell volunteered to take part in Give & Gain day at a local primary school to make improvements to their playground.

Give & Gain day is a national initiative where employers are encouraged to give their staff paid time to volunteer and help local good causes, tackle social and environmental issues, and make a positive difference in their communities.

The improvements took place at Mansel Primary School in the Parson Cross area of Sheffield, and had been looking to develop their outdoor area for the long-term benefit of the pupils.

Irwin Mitchell volunteers spent the day helping to create an 'environmental walkway,' which has seen them turn a narrow grassed area into a rich habitat for wildlife, bug hotels, bird boxes and plants.

They have also helped to create a sensory garden, a garden designed to stimulate senses, by planting sensory plants and shrubs and installing stepping stones around a tree.

In total, 124 volunteers took part in the Give & Gain project at Mansel Primary School, including Irwin Mitchell, Sheffield Business School, Waitrose, John Lewis, and Best Solicitors.

Baron David Blunkett, of Brightside and Hillsborough and Lord Mayor Councillor Denise Fox also visited the school for a lunchtime visit to see the progress the professionals had made.

Irwin Mitchell taking part in the Give & Gain volunteering day plays a part in the firm’s commitment to their Social Responsibility programme, and with being national members of Business in the Community.

Nancy Greaves, brand executive at Irwin Mitchell, who took part in the day, said: “The atmosphere was brilliant with employees from many Sheffield businesses working together to improve the play area for the children.

“Throughout the day, some students took part in creating a newsletter to inform parents and carers about the new area and were very enthusiastic when speaking to the business professionals.”