10 YEARS OF VOLUNTARY WORK- A REAL COMMITMENT
At the beginning of February we had a thank-you party for Mrs Sue Gibson who has been a volunteer at Westmead for 10 years. Sue has supported residents with their IT skills and has helped Pat with the technical side of the IT equipment. Sue has come to Westmead, each Wednesday, for the day for 10 years and we wanted to celebrate with her to thank Sue for her remarkable achievement.
The residents have benefited hugely from the time and support that Sue has dedicated to the service and the people that Sue has supported during her time with us. Residents Robin Cork, Darryl Osment, and Katy Inglis, and Pat Harris and Jane Williams were present and the residents presented Sue with a pen from Leonard Cheshire for volunteers who have completed 10 years voluntary service, a Leonard Cheshire bag and a Leonard Cheshire memory stick. Obviously, we had a chocolate cake too!!!
Volunteering is going from strength to strength and we have lots of volunteers who really improve the quality of life for the people who live at Westmead. There are lots of exciting opportunities coming up such as weight lifting and grooming donkeys!. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the volunteers and to let them know that the time they give to the residents is greatly appreciated.
December 2009 - Update to IT Suite
With the money that has been raised we have purchased various items for the computer suite, which include four flat screens, a complete computer system, and various software and hardware peripherals. These items were bought in order to meet resident's needs and to stimulate and stretch their mental abilities.
Computer Fund Raising
In the middle of 2008 we started raising funds for flat screens to enable our residents to experience better clarity and so enjoy their time spent playing their games and using the facilities.
Many local businesses sent donations, alongside a good number of individual contributions. We set a target of £2,000 and with a great deal of help we have exceeded it.
The Chairman of the Fortescue Club in Braunton presented Mr Mark Felton with a cheque from the Skittles Team and money raised from a Raffle. A group of six residents and staff were given a very warm welcome by Del and Jas, the Stewards, club members and their families. A buffet was provided and the evening was very enjoyable.
In August an Awareness day was held on the village green in Braunton. This was organised by Jane Williams, the Volunteer Co-ordinator. We took this opportunity to hold a tabletop sale which was extremely successful. The atmosphere was great with parents, residents, staff, volunteers and people from the local community joining in.
Money was also raised by Katie Thompson and her partner Kelvin, who both took part in the Great South Run in October. This required a lot of hard work and training on their part. Katie also did a car boot sale on our behalf and a good sum was raised from the two events.
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who gave their time and to those who gave of their possessions and money. There are some people who will always go the extra mile and to those that do, I say "thanks" is not quite enough!
Fundraising
We are in the middle of fund raising. Our aim is to achieve £2.000.00 for 22" flat screens and so far we have raised £1,600.00. Some was from donations. There was an awareness day held on the village green in Braunton . We had various stalls and raised £400. Then on the Thursday evening a group of residents and staff were invited along to the Fortescue Club where Mark Felton accepted a cheque for £225.00 from the Chairman Mr Ken McIntosh. A great evening was had by all. We were made very welcome and food was laid on. We would like to thank Del and Jas for all their hard work.
LONDON TO PARIS CYCLE JUNE 2008 By Natalie Brettell
Natalie completed her fund-raising cycle ride and has written a report.
ST Pauls
On April the 9th 2008 a group of residents and staff joined with users from other regions for a thanksgiving service at ST Pauls Cathedral to celebrate 60yrs of Leonard Cheshire Disability.
They set off at 7am and arrived at ST Pauls at 2pm, their journey through the centre of London was exciting as some had not visited there before.
Many landmarks were seen such as the London Eye, Harrods and the Ritz though there was no time for tea, a treat not to be missed.
The Duke of Kent and the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu were in attendance. The atmosphere was electric as the service began and continued to enthrall the congregation to the end.
It was a long day, but a day to remember for all.
creating opportunities with disabled people.