Disability charity thanks volunteers for giving up their time on International Volunteer Day

The charity, Papworth Trust is celebrating International Volunteer Day with a thank you to its volunteers for giving up more than 48,000 hours of their time in the last year, to help older people and people living with disabilities.

Papworth Trust receives vital support from volunteers, who help out by delivering hot meals to people within the community and offer support at youth clubs for people with disabilities.

Volunteer, Pam Gosling from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, gives up her time to help at the Papworth Trusts Workwise award winning, social enterprise scheme which provides specialist employment support and work based training for people living with mental health problems and disabilities.

Ms Gosling said: “After many years of ups and downs, including several hospital admissions, I was referred to Papworth Trust Workwise. I have benefitted very much from attending twice a week at Workwise for more years than I can remember; I am now lucky enough to have the opportunity to give back those 2 days a week by volunteering in the crafts and textiles department.

“The skills taught at Workwise – in my case in the craft and textiles department, and in IT – are offered in such a way that confidence, self-esteem and independence are gained within a safe environment. Ms Gosling has bi-polar disorder and was referred to Papworth Trusts Workwise initiative six years ago and now volunteers to help others using the service and to support the charity.

Ms Gosling continued: "I know that I am in a win/win situation, as by being at Workwise, I am not only able to maintain my own mental health, but am also able to try and help others to gain the confidence and self-esteem that I have been given.”

Director for external relations at Papworth Trust David Martin said, “Our volunteers are very important to us; we really value and appreciate the contribution they make supporting disabled people and our staff. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, knowledge and commitment to help our work.”

Papworth Trust provide crucial support services for older people, people living with disabilities and their carers, helping people to develop skills, find suitable jobs and live independently.

For more information, visit: www.papworthtrust.org.uk