As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, Dartford Borough Council wishes to highlight some of the fantastic work that goes on every day to support our community.
There are countless charities, initiatives and organisations across the Borough dedicated to making people’s lives better, many of which work closely with the Council to help those in need.
Healthy Living Centre Dartford has 45 volunteers helping to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities around the borough.
Sharon Phillips, Chief Officer at Healthy Living Centre Dartford said: “Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the fantastic contribution our volunteers make. Thanks to all of them, the local community benefits from around 93 hours of volunteer time every week, from help with getting online to weekly social get-togethers, arts and crafts activities, cookery and gardening clubs, exercise sessions and of course our Repair Cafés.”
Citizens Advice North & West Kent’s range of volunteers helped give support and advice to more than 3000 Dartford residents over the past year.
Helen Beckerson, Operations Manager at Citizens Advice North & West Kent, said: “Our volunteers provide a vital service to people in need across Dartford, particularly as they deal with the cost of living crisis and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have a diverse range of volunteers who give up their time and we’re extremely proud of the work they do to support local people as they access advice.”
Dartford Borough Council and One You Kent’s Health Walks wouldn’t be possible without its team of volunteers. Between them they have contributed more than 2,100 hours of volunteering to make walks possible in Darenth, Dartford Heath, The Peppercorns Centre, Stone and Swanscombe.
Kashmir Powar, Manager of the One You Kent Health Team, commissioned by KCC Public Health, said: “Our Health Walks are a lifeline for people to meet up and chat, particularly for people who may live alone or struggle with meeting knew people. Working with organisations like Peppercorns has allowed us to help people with additional needs as well. Without our fantastic volunteers, none of this would be possible.”
Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite said: “We rely on having strong relationships with voluntary organisations so that everyone in Dartford can access the wide range of support they provide.
“There isn’t nearly enough time in the world to thank every volunteer for all of the great work they do. Thank you for your selflessly supporting our local communities.”