The Salvation Army in Consett, County Durham, has thanked the team of people who give their time to run activities and events as it marks Volunteers’ Week.
The church and charity in Sherburn Terrace is supported by around 35 people who help with different programmes throughout the week as well as with special occasions – and they are looking for more people to get involved.
Consett Salvation Army, led by church leader Lt Wendy Verheij and supported by Community Mission Facilitator Marc Jackson, hosts a Connections social event, which offers a light lunch and programmed activity with guest speakers, parent and toddler group, prayer and bible study, Sunday worship and Sunday school.
On Mondays they host a Ladies Fellowship and dance fit FM with Mens’ Fellowship on the first Saturday of the month. They also run a School Uniform Scheme and have opportunities for people to carry out work experience.
To mark Volunteers’ Week, which runs until 7 June, Lt Wendy said:
“Consett Salvation Army is a real community hub supporting families through our parent and toddler group, and the isolated and elderly through our lunch clubs. We also have a thriving band and regularly take part in local events. It goes beyond running activities though, we are also here offering a listening ear or practical support for people especially in a time of need. People know they have a place here where they can feel safe and welcome.
“We would not be able to do what we do without our team of volunteers. We have 35 people who give up their time to help with events and regular activities and we’re looking for more people to get involved. The more people who volunteer the more people we can help.
“Volunteering is a great way to make friends, build confidence and give back to your community. We have different roles available, whether that’s cooking, helping with our toddler group or sitting and talking to our guests. We will try and match people’s skills to the role, so if you are interested please do drop in and speak to us.”
Nikki has been volunteering for 18 years, running the weekly parent and toddler group, which involves not only leading the sessions with play, dance, singing and snacks, but organising trips out. On Christmas Day she was head chef, cooking a three-course meal for more than 30 guests and volunteers who spent the day there.
Nikki said:
“We’re just a big family here really. People know if they come to Consett Salvation Army they don’t get judged, they are taken as they are and are given lots of love. There is a good community spirit here.”
One mum-of-four, who brings her children to the toddler group, found a community who helped her during a very difficult time when her third son was in hospital.
She said:
“It was a big help. If we needed anything Wendy and Nikki would be there. Wendy would come and drop clean washing off for us and find activities for the kids to do.
“I felt supported, it made it a bit easier knowing that if we needed anybody for anything we could easily ask someone as opposed to panicking thinking ‘what am I going to do about this, what am I going to do about that.’
“Everybody is brilliant and if I need a hand with the boys there’s always someone to help me. It’s a really helpful place, a community, that we’ve gained all through coming to the toddler group.”
There are opportunities for people who want to volunteer at The Salvation Army. For more information please visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/consett
