Rainy Waller, our Community Connector based in North Earlham, has been talking with individuals in the area and following one of their volunteering journeys.
“I met an individual who attended a session at Freedom Friday, which is an adult social group based at Cadge Road Community Centre. They enjoy crafts, I.T, decorating, cooking and are keen to share their skills with the community and volunteer their time “to give back and pass on their knowledge. They said that they enjoy meeting new people but are not sure how to go about doing voluntary work. They want to spend their time doing positive things and not sitting at home all day doing nothing.”
Rainy found out that staff at Baseline, run by Future Projects, were seeking help with running their weekly art and craft session. They also needed support with decoration and administration.
“I mentioned to this individual that Future Projects were seeking volunteers and that their skills could be of great value. I arranged a meeting between the individual and the staff to ask any questions. After meeting them again she was proud to say she will be leading and supporting the weekly art and craft session.”
Rainy went down to the group two weeks later to find people making personalised fridge magnets and there were lots of new faces in attendance at the group. The individual said that she “loved volunteering there, it has given them a purpose. People loved their big personality and that they hope to volunteer more at Future Projects in the future.”
The staff said, “She is a god-send and everyone now looks forward to seeing her and the group have really taken off since she has volunteered.”
“Baseline is an absolutely wonderful place that offers so much support to local people, they work extremely hard and really care about the community.”
Baseline is an open access service providing practical, social and emotional support for anyone aged over 16 living in the NR5/6 areas of Norwich. Outreach workers are available to those that cannot come in person. A referral service is provided if specialist help is required and their qualified staff can offer support and liaise with other organisations on your behalf. Their key services include advice on employment, education, housing, health, legal issues and finances.
Freedom Friday is an adult social group based at Cadge Road Community Centre for anyone 18+ years living within the NR5 area. They meet every Friday during term time from 1pm-3pm. They prevent isolation and loneliness by doing many different activities together and having space for just a cuppa and chat.
Find out more about our Community Connectors and how you can contact them.