Community First’s Positive Pathways supported volunteering project is approaching the end of its first year and it has been a very productive year. The Team have taken part in numerous activities throughout the year including: Helping prepare garden plots for children to grow plants and vegetables at several schools across the area including Mill Rythe, Hayling College and Mengham Schools in partnership with Hayling Island Horticultural Society's Growing Together project, at Trosnant School, and Park Community School's smallholding. They have also carried out befriending in several sheltered housing schemes, painting at Waterlooville Community Centre, helped at events such as St Francis Christmas Starlight Festival, hosted a large mental health awareness event 'Positive Living' at Leigh Park Community Centre, and started work on a sensory garden at Hollybank, a mental health supported residential property which they will be continuing next year with donations of wood and slate by local builder Darren Clark & Sons. I worked hard initially by myself to turn my life around but being on the Positive Pathways programme has helped me build confidence, make new friends and I’ve recently learned how to cook healthily on a cookery course provided by Community First”. Positive Pathways is a Community First supported volunteering project that helps people with a wide range of barriers to volunteer as part of a team, helping build confidence, provide a range of volunteering opportunities to build skills, offer training for personal development and social opportunities to reduce isolation, build communication skills and help people progress towards their goals. For more information about Positive Pathways, Employee Volunteering or Community Training please contact Community First on 0300 500 8085 or email positivepathways@cfirst.org.uk
