A volunteering taster event, funded by Frieda Scott Trust and run in partnership with Impact Housing in Kendal was a big success says the organisers The Conservation Volunteers.
Seven young people had a taste of volunteering when they set up a café and hosted a tea dance and bingo for 24 pensioners in the foyer of Impact Housing in Kendal earlier this month. The youngsters from Westmorland made scones, cakes and sandwiches, laid tables and decorated the room with bunting and balloons.
"It was really good to see how much the older people enjoyed the afternoon. The seniors really enjoyed our food and couldn’t believe how nice it was and how much there was to eat.” said18 year old Sophie Bevir.
Charlotte Robinson from the TCV and CLIP project manager, said: “We had a great bunch of 16 to25 year olds turn up for the event, one of three volunteering taster sessions we are running in Westmorland. We are in the second year of a three year project supporting 16 to 25 year olds to volunteer across Cumbria. It’s great to see how helping others, helps these young people too.”
The guests travelled in from nursing homes in Kendal and from other groups in the surrounding area. After and hour of dancing, led by two local instructors, they were served a sit down afternoon tea by the volunteers. The session ended with two rounds of bingo.
Following on from the success of this taster day the TCV’s Clip project team is exploring the idea of a pop up café in April. Any young people who are interested in finding out more should contact the Clip Team on 01539 742612 or through Facebook ‘Cumbria clip’