From Interns to Changemakers: How Zurich’s Summer Interns Helped Bring the Hospice Hive to Life

This summer, nine interns from Zurich Isle of Man didn’t just gain corporate experience — they made a lasting mark on the community.

As part of Zurich’s 14-week Summer Internship Programme, the interns were each placed in different departments at Zurich House. But alongside their professional development, they were also challenged to lead a community impact project. That challenge? To help design and fundraise for the interior of a new therapeutic polytunnel and wellbeing space at Hospice Isle of Man — a project now known as the Hospice Hive.

 

Designing a Space to Thrive

The Hospice Hive will be a new outdoor therapeutic area set in the gardens of Hospice, providing a calm, sheltered, and restorative space for patients, families, and staff. It includes a polytunnel for planting and growing, and a future all-year-round cabin for counselling and group sessions — all fully accessible and sustainably built.

The interns were tasked with designing the interior and surrounding layout of the polytunnel space, considering how best to maximise comfort, functionality and sustainability.

“Sustainability guided every decision we made,” said intern Charlotte Brooks. “From selecting produce that Hospice chefs could use, to sourcing materials locally and even furnishing the polytunnel with repurposed items from the Hospice shop.”

The team worked closely with Hospice staff, volunteer builders, and garden consultants — learning first-hand how design and care can come together to support wellbeing.

“Turning an old cable reel into a table and giving old chairs a second life taught me to think more creatively about design and problem-solving,” said Tyler Roche, who studies Computer Science and Maths.

 

From Ideas to Action: Fundraising for the Cabin

Designing the space was only half the challenge.

The interns were also asked to raise funds to help cover the cost of fitting out the interior of the upcoming counselling cabin — a key part of Phase Two of the Hospice Hive project.

“When we first heard the £8,000 target, it felt overwhelming,” said law intern Jema Richardson. “But we got stuck in, planned a series of events, and the community response was incredible.”

Events included everything from car washes (including one on-site at Hospice), bake sales, a charity quiz night, a raffle, and even an ice bucket challenge. Their efforts were matched pound for pound by the Z Zurich Foundation, bringing the total to £13,072.78 raised for Hospice.

“Planning and running the quiz event taught me a lot about event management, budgeting, and how to bring people together,” said Matthew Bell, who studies Economics.

“We were blown away by how willing people were to help,” added Charlotte Brooks, who led on much of the fundraising. “It really built my confidence in reaching out, asking for support, and seeing a big goal become achievable.”

 

Learning by Doing — and Giving Back

Along the way, the interns gained more than professional skills — they gained a deeper understanding of the power of community and the importance of the third sector.

“I’ve learned that Hospice care is about so much more than medical support,” said Heather Spiers, who coordinated the sustainability aspects of the design. “It’s about psychological, emotional and practical support — not just for patients, but for their families too.”

“The dedication of Hospice staff and volunteers really struck me,” added Christoforos Karezis, a Law and Business student. “It showed me how far passion and purpose can go.”

Each intern walked away with new skills — from teamwork and time management to communication and event planning — but also a sense of pride in having contributed to something meaningful.

“The Sod Cutting ceremony was a real highlight,” said Andrew Kneale, who studies Psychology and Language Sciences. “Seeing everyone come together — staff, supporters, families — to celebrate what we’d helped start was something I’ll always remember.”

“We all felt the impact of the project when we met Nadene Crowther, Hospice’s founder,” said Jema. “Listening to her story made everything so real and grounded. It wasn’t just a summer job — it was a chance to be part of something lasting.”

 

A Final Word of Thanks

“We are so grateful to the Zurich interns and employees for their incredible support,” said Vanessa Naude, Corporate Relationships & Events Executive at Hospice Isle of Man. “The funds they’ve raised — alongside generous donations of time and resources — will help bring to life our vision for the Hospice Hive. Their energy, compassion and creativity have made a real difference.”

A special thank you also goes to Serena Wood and the wider Zurich team for their guidance and support throughout the programme, and to Tim McKeon, Hospice volunteer who is quietly driving the polytunnel and cabin project behind the scenes.

From design boards to garden beds, fundraising to final presentations, this year’s Zurich interns didn’t just learn from their experience — they changed lives. And in doing so, they’ve left a legacy of community, care and compassion.