Ali’s Story: John Lewis Partnership

Finding purpose through the John Lewis Partnership Foundation Golden Jubilee Trust

John Lewis Partnership colleagues are given the opportunity to spend up to six months supporting a charity of their choice, creating meaningful impact for communities while developing their own skills and supporting their wellbeing. This is all thanks to the John Lewis Partnership Foundation Golden Jubilee Trust.

Ali Watkins, an employee of 16 years at Epsom Waitrose, chose to spend her secondment at The Old Moat. Having already volunteered there for a year, she knew first-hand the difference the service makes to people experiencing severe mental health challenges and wanted to contribute more.

After a long and varied career within Waitrose, including roles in delivery driving, compliance, and qualifying as a fishmonger, Ali was ready for a new challenge that aligned with her passion for helping others. After losing her husband in 2016, she reduced her working hours and began to refocus on what mattered most.

“I’ve worked for the John Lewis Partnership for 16 years, mainly at Epsom Waitrose, and I’ve had quite a few roles over that time. But volunteering at The Old Moat really stood out to me, it’s such a special place.”

“This project has given me a purpose that I haven’t had in a while. I feel inspired again.”

Through her secondment, Ali set out clear goals with the service: to improve stock management systems, complete a full stock take, increase accuracy, and support volunteers in using systems more effectively. These improvements aim to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance the service provided to people accessing the service.

“The legacy I’m hoping to leave is better shop-floor routines, which will reduce wastage, increase profits, and lead to a better service for the people we support. If I can achieve that, I’ll walk away feeling happy with myself.”

But for Ali, the experience has been about far more than processes and systems. A key part of her role has been building relationships, including spending dedicated time each week with someone accessing the service.

“I spend time with her once a week. It feels really good and I can see her confidence growing.”

Ali describes The Old Moat as a place where change is visible every day – a “gold mine” of opportunity, growth, and human connection.

“You see in real time people growing in confidence and skills, every single day. Being part of that change makes me feel really good about myself, the team, and this place.”

Her work has also helped free up time for other staff, allowing them to focus more on delivering direct support, a vital benefit in a service where time and resources are stretched.

“Everyone is doing as much as they can at all times within the service, anything I can do to make their lives easier feels really worthwhile. It’s a real win-win.”

Ali also reflects on the environment at The Old Moat, highlighting the importance of its calm, human-centred approach.

“It’s so calm and traditional, there’s real human contact here, and it works. If I’d known about somewhere like this before, I definitely would have signed up.”

As her secondment continues, Ali is already thinking about the future, planning to keep volunteering even after the placement ends.

“I feel so lucky to have found this place. The team is brilliant, and they’ve really invested in me. I’ll definitely continue volunteering – it’s something I don’t want to lose.”

Ali’s story is a powerful example of how partnerships can create lasting impact, not just for the organisations and communities supported, but for the individuals who take part.