Thanks to
Community Action Norwich (CAN), scores of young people have enjoyed summer holiday adventures, dozens are gaining vital help with literacy and numeracy skills and one dad has even become a qualified football coach.
CAN has been working in the
Lakenham and
Tuckswood areas of
Norwich over 20 years as part of the New
Hope Christian Centre. It runs many social action programmes for people of all ages and works closely with local churches and three primary schools in the community.
Doreen Betts, Chair of Trustees, said: “We attract around 90 children and young people on a regular basis to our
Summer Holiday Activities programme. What is most pleasing is the growing relationship with some of the parents and home visits are a regular part of our work. We are delighted that four parents are now working with us as volunteers in the children’s club.
“We secured funding for one of the dads to gain a qualification as a football coach and he is now working in two local schools with over 50 children each week. He is looking to come out of unemployment and build a new career working with children through sport. What a great way to share God’s love with a family who had no hope for the future! “
Another CAN initiative is the
TRUST Programme, a project which works with adults and children who do not have appropriate literacy and numeracy skills.
Doreen said: “An increasing number of adults are finding the courage to admit their need and ask for help with social skills, parenting needs and anger management.
Pam Leslie (pictured right), the programme manager has worked as a Head Teacher and has tremendous compassion for people who have slipped through the net during the early years of education.”
Angie, one of the students, now works as a volunteer in our Day Centre for older people and her self-confidence is growing before the team’s eyes: “I have always liked older people, working in the Day Centre is so rewarding and we have great fun,” she said.
CAN depends heavily upon its army of volunteer workers to sustain the variety of programmes it delivers. Should you wish to know more about its work and the opportunities for volunteering, they would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Georgina Dalton on 01603 617771 or Email communityaction@virgin.net