For the third year running, Rose Taylor, gbp's Group Services Administrator, took a week away from her busy day job to volunteer with the Pendeford SDA church and deliver a much-needed Summer Activities programme for 30 children aged 5-14 years. Below Rose shares a little more about what was involved during the week and an insight into how gbp's volunteering scheme is making a difference to families this summer:
"Pendeford is a residential area with a high proportion of young families, however, there are no local activities for children during the long summer break. It therefore wasn’t surprising that the 30 places on the week-long, free to access, activities programme were quickly taken up. Throughout the week, the children enjoyed a carousel of activities which included cooking, creative arts, outdoor games and learning how to make good choices. The week ended with a brief escape from city life to Habberley Trail, Kidderminster. The excitement and camaraderie amongst the children was palpable. It was great to see how children from different age groups, ethnicities and backgrounds gelled together to have a memorable and fun week. The feedback from the parents was that they were so grateful for the mini-break for their children, that was the icing on the cake for the us the volunteers to hear this. They applauded the opportunity for wholesome, creative and safe play instead of their children being on digital devices. I am grateful for this opportunity to support the families and help create positive holiday memories for these children and also grateful to be employed by a company who offer staff this opportunity to help those children/people in need. Dealing with 30 energetic youngsters is quite exhausting, so I’m not sure about the request by parents and children to make the programme a 2-week event next year!"
Thank you Rose for all that you do, you really are a super star!
Pictures below shared with the consent of all those featured.