A team of volunteers from NI Water recently visited the Footprints Women's Centre in Dunmurry to provide practical support through the company's Cares Challenge project. The group carried out a variety of tasks, including painting, power-hosing, and gardening, aimed at improving the centre's outdoor spaces and facilities.

The Cares Challenge is one of Northern Ireland's largest corporate volunteering initiatives and has been operating for over a decade. Since its inception, more than 1,850 NI Water employees have participated in nearly 130 challenges, donating approximately 13,000 hours of service to various local communities.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Business in the Community's NI Cares Programme, which connects businesses with charities and community groups in need of maintenance, environmental work, or fundraising assistance. Footprints Women's Centre, which was established in 1991, provides essential support services to women and children in the Dunmurry area. Reflecting on the day, NI Water volunteer Karen Orr said: "The volunteering day was extremely well organised and provided a fantastic opportunity to support a local charity that makes a real difference. It was rewarding to work alongside NI Water colleagues and the Footprints team, and to see first-hand the impact of their work in the community."

Rose Kelly, Director of People and Learning at NI Water, highlighted the mutual benefits of the initiative, stating: "Our handy helpers have undertaken everything from gardening, painting and maintenance to environmental and fundraising activities. Often it is this extra support that groups need to enhance their facilities, improve the lives of their members and operate their centres successfully.

"Volunteering is also a key part of our health and wellbeing toolkit. Our teams gain so much from the experience – not only by helping the community, but by spending time with colleagues from across the business whom they might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet."