Craft workshop connecting volunteers and communities

We’ve launched a craft workshop to offer volunteering opportunities to our tenants and people within the local community.

Keith Robinson, our Grow and Learning Project Co-ordinator wanted to offer our volunteers an additional opportunity within the allotment area at Somerby Road.

The idea was to create a workshop where volunteers could build bird boxes from locally sourced timber. They would then be taken to The Arc, where the youth clubs would get involved by painting the finished product.

The finished bird boxes are going to be donated to sheltered complexes and care homes in Scunthorpe and surrounding areas to encourage wildlife and brighten the community.

We want to thank both Wickes and B&Q in Scunthorpe, they have provided valuable support by donating products and offering discounts on tools. This gave us a great opportunity to get started.

The support from both businesses has been hugely appreciated. They have also kindly offered to let their staff volunteer their time to support our volunteer learners.  This is amazing news and will benefit all involved.

Carol Richardson, Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager said, “This project is a great addition to the activities we are able to offer our customers. It provides the opportunity to build a bird box, bug hotel and even hedgehog houses at the same time contributing to the sustainability of wildlife.

“Keith, Phil and John have worked hard over the past few months to get it up and running. We are also looking at working with a local hedgehog rescue to bring rehabilitated and/or young hedgehogs to the allotment to help them thrive.

“We are also wanting to get in touch with local schools to see if students would like to get involved with this project. This would be a great opportunity to engage with the younger generation.

“It’s an exciting project as it’s just the beginning and we are all looking forward to seeing what the next few months brings.”

For more information or how to get involved in volunteering, visit our website www.ongo.co.uk/supporting-you/skills-and-personal-development/volunteering-and-work-placements/