Volunteers from Informed Solutions and Defra recently came together for a Giving Back Day in Manchester’s Medlock Valley, organised by Step Up MCR in support of the grassroots community organisation Friends of Medlock Valley.

More than 20 volunteers spent the day outdoors helping to improve and maintain one of Manchester’s most valued community green spaces. Equipped with gloves, litter pickers, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, teams worked together on a range of environmental improvement activities, from pathway maintenance and litter picking to community allotment planting and the creation of a new water feature sculpture.

For many involved, the day provided an exciting opportunity to spend time together in a completely different environment, learn more about a local community initiative, and contribute to a project with a visible and lasting impact. It was also a chance to step outside day-to-day routines, shut laptops, and be collaborative alongside colleagues in a new setting.

Bringing organisations and communities together

The Giving Back Day brought together community organisations, public sector partners, and volunteers around a shared goal of improving and protecting local green space ahead of the busy summer months.

The day also provided an opportunity for colleagues, partners, and community organisations to work together towards a shared outcome, building relationships and strengthening existing partnerships.

Alongside the practical work, volunteers heard directly from local residents and community leaders who have helped shape the Medlock Valley over many years. Their passion, commitment, and long-term stewardship have transformed the area into a thriving community asset enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Once affected by pollution and antisocial behaviour, the Medlock Valley has gradually been restored by local volunteers into a vibrant urban green space featuring woodland trails, wildflower areas, community growing spaces, and public art installations. Led by Friends of Medlock Valley, the site continues to encourage local people to reconnect with nature while creating opportunities for wellbeing, creativity, and community activity.

Nicole Hope, Director at Step Up MCR, said:

“Step Up MCR met Informed Solutions at the end of 2025, and it’s been clear since that social value isn’t just a tick box exercise for Informed, but something that runs throughout the business.

With the help of Informed Solutions and Defra, the Medlock Valley is now free of litter, has new paths for residents to access local green space, there’s a refreshed community allotment, and even a new addition to the sculpture trail.

Thank you to the volunteers. We look forward to the next Giving Back Day and a continued partnership with Informed Solutions.”

Building social value through action

Alongside our digital transformation work, Informed Solutions is committed to creating positive social, environmental, and economic impact through both the work we deliver and the partnerships we support.

Volunteering initiatives like this provide opportunities for colleagues to actively contribute to local communities while strengthening connections, supporting wellbeing, and helping create positive change beyond the workplace.

Matthew Rix, Chief Digital Officer at Informed Solutions, added:

“We want social value to be something our people can actively participate in, not simply something we talk about.

Days like this are an important part of building a culture where volunteering, environmental stewardship, wellbeing and community engagement are embedded into how we work.”

As the day came to a close, the impact of the volunteers’ work could already be seen across the valley, from cleared pathways and refreshed planting areas to the growing sculpture trail that will be enjoyed by local residents throughout the summer.

The Giving Back Day reflects the growing partnership between Informed Solutions, Step Up MCR, Friends of Medlock Valley and Defra, alongside a shared commitment to supporting local communities and protecting the green spaces that bring people together.

We would like to thank everyone who took part for their enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment to supporting this important community space.