Team Advanté Rolls Up Their Sleeves to Support Havens

On Monday 7th July, a group of ten volunteers from Advanté rolled up their sleeves and spent the day supporting Fair Havens, one of the Havens Hospice locations, as part of our Corporate Volunteering Programme.

Havens Hospice provides specialist care and support to people of all ages living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex. Their services are completely free of charge and include symptom management, respite, end-of-life care, and emotional support for both patients and their loved ones. Fair Havens, based in Southend-on-Sea, is one of Havens Hospice’s adult care facilities, offering a peaceful and compassionate environment for those in their final stages of life.

We were fortunate to enjoy dry weather as we worked together to clear weeds, sweep paths, and tidy up various outdoor areas across the hospice grounds — including patios outside patient rooms, communal garden spaces, and the car park area. After a group induction, Phil, the Lead Volunteer from Havens Hospice, welcomed us with tabards and tools from the shed, and we quickly got to work.

Who Took Part?

Our enthusiastic team included:

• Mark (and his daughter Gabi), Justin, and Michelle – Production
• Ellie – Operations
• Greg and Jess – Finance
• Faytay – New Business
• Jo – PA Team
• Rebecca Milne – Marketing

We paused mid-morning for tea and again at lunchtime for a well-earned break before continuing the clean-up. In the afternoon, we were given a tour of the hospice by Judy Grocott, Head of Fundraising. Judy, who is retiring soon after 20 years of dedicated service, shared moving stories that gave us a deeper appreciation for the incredible impact Havens Hospice has on patients and their families. Her passion, warmth, and insight left a lasting impression on us all, and we wish her all the best in her retirement!

Making a Real Impact

This was not only a physically rewarding day, but also one filled with purpose, connection, and perspective. Here’s what some of our volunteers had to say:

“You come away feeling like you’ve put something back into the community – it’s SO rewarding. Your heart just melts knowing that Havens provide free care for people with limited life expectancy to help them make memories and fulfil last requests. It was a fantastic day with a fabulous team.” – Jo

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to support such a meaningful cause. It was great to come together as a team, put in the work, and see firsthand how Havens makes a real difference – and how our efforts play a part in that impact.” – Greg

“It was a real privilege to spend the day volunteering at Havens. From gardening to touring the amazing facilities, it was both rewarding and humbling. It was also a great chance to work alongside colleagues from different teams and contribute to such a special place.” – Jess

“It was amazing working with such a great team. We tackled everything together, and it felt great to contribute to the incredible work being done at Havens Hospice. A real sense of purpose – and a few sore muscles too!” – Faytay

“I really enjoyed the day knowing I had made a difference and felt good knowing not only myself, but the team had made a difference. The staff at Havens also are amazing and came across really caring.”– Michelle

“I enjoyed the fact all of this had a greater purpose to benefit those who are spending their last days in Havens, but also this helped me learn more to help others and do great things – which is why I’d love to do this again.” – Gabi

“Like a lot of the Advanté team, I’ve been volunteering here for a few years now. Even if you know what the hospice staff do, you can’t fully appreciate it until you’ve been on site. That’s why it’s so important for companies like Advanté to help reduce their costs and support their incredible work. The team loves coming back each year because we can see just how much it’s appreciated by the Havens staff and residents.” – Mark

Looking Ahead

This marks the third year running that Advanté has taken part in Havens Hospice’s Corporate Volunteering Days, and it continues to be a valued part of our social impact efforts. We’re pleased to share that another volunteering day is already scheduled for September, giving more of our team the opportunity to get involved and support the hospice’s incredible work.

A heartfelt thank you to Havens Hospice for welcoming us once again — and to all the staff and volunteers who make their services possible.