Monday

Entering the office on Monday felt nerve-wracking as it was a completely new environment however, I was warmly welcomed by the team. Carianne gave an induction to Mindenhurst, covering topics like health and safety, plans, and different work sectors. Niki explained my tasks for the week and discussed interviewing members of the team and techniques to do this. She even had me practice by interviewing her, which was both fun and exciting despite my initial nervousness.

In the afternoon, I met Hannah O’Kelly, an Environmental and Sustainability Advisor. She discussed plans for St Barbara’s Church and showed me a bird’s-eye view picture indicating tree locations. We talked about tree grading and project planning, which was very informative.

Hannah then took me to the church site where I wore PPE for health and safety. She pointed out areas like badger habitats and how they manage Japanese Knotweed growth. At the church, she explained ongoing work and future plans while discussing drainage systems and tree protection with other site workers. Learning about Hannah’s job was particularly enjoyable as it introduced me to aspects of environmental sustainability that I hadn’t encountered before.

Tuesday

We started with a tour of the Mindenhurst site with Mati, a Project Manager. He explained the development process and future plans for the area, showcasing the ambition and capabilities of The Mindenhurst Project. Mati also discussed drainage systems and how rainwater is managed to ensure silt settles before entering the Basingstoke Canal. This highlighted the complexity of planning and managing construction projects.

Later, we joined Oliver Connells’ construction team for hands-on experience in bricklaying. Using trowels and levellers, we learned how to lay bricks properly, offering valuable insight into practical aspects of construction.

In the afternoon, I met Mike Thorpe, a senior project planner. He demonstrated how he uses graphs to plan projects and track timing. I was given a task to order various project activities while considering their durations. Through this exercise, I learned about different internal services (lighting, air vents, security alarms) and steps in building construction. This task required thoughtful planning as mistakes could lead to financial losses or project delays. Despite its challenges, I enjoyed it as it provided a deeper understanding of project management.

Wednesday

In the morning, I met Ryan from Graduate Landscape and his team. They took me and James on a walk around their site, showing us the paths they’ve constructed and sharing their future plans for the area. It was a great experience learning about path construction and getting to know their friendly team.

They then introduced us to various tools and machinery. We helped to secure pieces of wood and hammered in pins. Ryan also showed us the controls inside excavators, rollers, and forklifts, explaining their safety features like protective cages and bars. Although we couldn’t operate the machines due to health and safety regulations, it was an exciting hands-on experience.

In the afternoon, I met Mary Kinsella, a Senior Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Advisor. She explained her role in managing risks and hazards on construction sites, focusing on worker wellbeing. We watched a video to identify health and safety issues, discussed consequences for breaking regulations (talking to, yellow card, red card), and went through my observations together. This session emphasised the importance of safety in construction and highlighted Mary’s dedication to worker wellbeing.

Thursday

Mike Collier, a Project Manager, took James and me around his site and explained the planning involved in road construction. We learned about installing drains and the process of making roads while stressing the importance of avoiding damage to water pipes, gas pipes, or electrical wiring.

Later, I met Hiten Meghani, a Technical Assurance Manager. He showed us designs for roads and the Mindenhurst area before taking us on a drive to see a Copenhagen crossing which is a pedestrian-friendly crossing designed to ensure safety. This was fascinating as it highlighted the intricate details involved in road design that I wouldn’t have known without seeing these designs.

Friday

On Friday morning, we spent time with the Graduate Landscape team working in the Southern SANG. We continued learning about their projects and assisting with various tasks, gaining more hands-on experience in landscape construction.

After lunch, Emily Law from the Emerging Talent Team gave us a talk about different careers in construction. She explained various entry routes such as apprenticeships, internships, and their graduate programme. This session was very informative and highlighted many opportunities within the industry.

In the afternoon, we presented to the Mindenhurst team. We showcased all the activities we participated in during the week and shared our overall experience. It was a great way to reflect on everything we learned and say thank you to the team for this opportunity.

Overall Experience

Although I felt nervous entering a work environment, the Mindenhurst team made me feel welcome and were very friendly. This experience has helped me understand the construction industry, and I have had so many exciting opportunities that I am very happy to have experienced. From interviewing the team, to going out and learning more about the history of Deepcut/Mindenhurst, to being able to do some hands-on work like bricklaying and path construction. This has definitely improved my confidence, and I got to meet many new people. I have learned a lot about different sectors/jobs in the construction industry, which has opened my mind to other job possibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for future students, as everyone at Mindenhurst is friendly and eager to educate and connect with you.

The Mindenhurst Team were thrilled to collaborate with Graduate Landscape to create a new sensory garden at Camberley Manor Care Home.

On Wednesday 8^th May, Camberley Manor officially opened their new sensory garden. Residents and guests enjoyed the sunshine and joined in the special celebrations complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches, a VE Day singer, and refreshments.

The new sensory garden will provide residents at Camberly Manor with a unique and enriching outdoor space that stimulates all the senses. It includes scented plant choices such as honey suckle, rosemary and lavender, as well as raised planters for residents to grow fruits and vegetables. It also features a new corner arbour which will provide a relaxing seating area to enjoy the new space.

Joanne Anderson‑Woodley, Business Development Manager, Camberley Manor said “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Mindenhurst Team on this community project. We are so appreciative of their time and efforts to make this a tranquil, calming and sensory space for our residents to enjoy.”

Graduate Landscape brought their extensive experience in landscape design to this project, ensuring the creation of an inclusive space tailored towards the needs of the residents at Camberly Manor. All the plants were kindly donated by their supplier Greenwood Plants.

Graduate Landscapes said “We are really proud to be able to give back to our local community in the delivery of a sensory garden that can be used for years to come. This is for a great cause which is close to everyone’s heart, the team delivered this with great pride!”

“We were delighted to work with Graduate Landscape on this exciting project,” said Niki Dufour, Community Relations Manager at Mindenhurst. “It is really rewarding to collaborate with other companies who are also committed to making positive contributions within the community. I’m sure the residents at Camberley Manor will enjoy their new garden, which not only looks great, but also promotes wellbeing.”

Poised to commence in 2025, the site, spanning over three acres and located towards the north of Mindenhurst, will become CHD Living’s 15^th care facility, accenting the provider’s continuing pledge to enrich the local area, delivering exceptional care, and fostering employment opportunities. 

CHD Living offers a wide array of care services that meet the varied needs of their residents. The new Mindenhurst Care Village will continue this tradition by providing specialised, round-the-clock care for older people, including those living with dementia, as well as individuals who have suffered physical trauma and those who require post-operative convalescent care. The environment has been specifically designed for comfort, maintaining dignity, and encouraging independence, and the service will focus on the longer-term care plans and the goals of the individuals they support, with a real emphasis on wellbeing.

The village, which will provide 70 care bedrooms and 20 post-operative care suites, will boast a host of amenities including a gym, hydrotherapy-pool, cinema, salon, and bistro. Reflecting CHD Living’s ethos of creating a ‘home away from home’, the facility merges modern conveniences and the use of new technology with the natural beauty of the Surrey landscapes.

Beyond its novel approach to care, the development underscores CHD Living’s focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, aiming to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’. Designed by the architecture firm Pollard Thomas Edwards, the project intends to follow the principles of the Energy Hierarchy through sustainable construction practices, high insulation levels, and the incorporation of heat pump driven heating, hot water systems, and a roof-mounted PV array.

The acquisition of the care village, funded by Barclays Corporate Banking and advised by Bevan Brittan LLP, has been characterised by its collaborative nature, incorporating extensive consultations with local residents and the Surrey Heath Borough Council. This inclusive strategy guarantees that the project not only addresses the rising demand for elderly care facilities but also contributes significantly to the local economy.

Liakat Hasham, Co-founder and CEO of CHD Living, said:

“As we unveil the plans for the Mindenhurst Care Village, I am reminded of the profound impact state of the art design and thoughtful leadership can have on the quality of care we provide. With Mindenhurst, we’re reimagining the future of living and care for older people and those in need of specialised support. This initiative is a testament to our desire to setting a new standard for care that is rooted in understanding, respect, and a relentless pursuit of betterment. Mindenhurst represents not just our vision, but our promise to the community, to our residents, and to future generations.”