Regenda says thank you to volunteers

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Volunteers working on Dream Schemes in West View, Broadwater and Knott-End were given a big thank you by North West housing provider Regenda, at a special event held at Garstang Golf Club.    

The Dream Schemes, for eight to fourteen year old children, provide an opportunity for local youngsters to learn new skills including craft, baking, art and IT.  They are also given the chance to take part in a range of activities within the community including clean ups and litter picks, helping the elderly on shopping trips and gardening including weeding, and planting out hanging baskets, bulbs, shrubs and plants. 

As the children participate in the scheme they earn points which can be saved up and then put towards a choice of treats such as a trip to Alton Towers or the cinema, paintballing, go-karting or a meal at MacDonalds.

The schemes have been funded by Regenda for nine years and are run entirely by volunteers, who plan each session and accompany the children during the community activities and trips.

Angela Welch, project manager at Regenda acknowledged the contribution made by the volunteers, “Without our volunteers the Dream Schemes would not be possible.  They work hard each year to make sure that the youngsters enjoy participating and feel that they are making a useful contribution to their local community.  When the young people are involved in the scheme we see their confidence grow and their behaviour improve as they begin to take more interest in their local environment.”

The volunteers were given lunch at the club and then the children from each scheme gave a presentation on what they had achieved over the past 12 months, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate their success.

Regenda works with communities to build a sustainable future.