- Broxtowe Celebrates Volunteers Week
Broxtowe Celebrates Volunteers Week
There are many brilliant organisations in Broxtowe whose valuable work depends on the effort put in by volunteers. Broxtowe Borough Council are recognising
the importance of the work of these people by highlighting a few of the volunteers who help at two organisations, one large, one small, and both providing valuable services to their community: Broxtowe Women’s Project and Chelsey’s Café.
Many of the volunteers at Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP), an organisation that helps women and families suffering from domestic abuse, are motivated by a desire to give back to their local community, use their skills to support others, or contribute to a cause they care deeply about.
Mel, a volunteer who has helped at BWP for the last two years collecting and delivering food donations as well as running gardening, half term events, and play days, does so specifically to help people and give her life more focus and purpose. “BWP means a lot to me. It is very rewarding to be part of it and to see how their hard work helps and supports so many women and children. The charity has made me feel seen and worth something during a period where I felt invisible.”
BWP is supported by a dedicated team of over 50 volunteers – some working directly aside those affected by the abuse, supporting educational programmes, wellbeing activities, and community sessions that help women rebuild confidence in a safe and supportive environment, while others support the wider running of the charity through fundraising events, awareness raising, creative projects, administration, donation sorting, and charity shop volunteering.
Find out more about Broxtowe Women’s Project on their Website. (Opens in a New Window)
Chelsey’s Café, a non-profit business, opens its doors at Inham Nook Recreation Ground every Friday morning,
acting as both a café offering affordable breakfast and lunch as well as a community S.E.N.D hub. The café was launched in memory of Chelsey, who was a firm believer in helping others, and is run by family and friends.
Michelle, Chelsey’s aunt and one of the founders of the café alongside Chelsey’s friend Danniella James, said “When Chelsey died our
world as we knew it changed. It means so much to know her memory has created something as wonderful as Chelsey’s cafe. She would be so pleased to see what the cafe is achieving.”
Everyone that volunteers knew Chelsey, and working at the café is something each of the 7 volunteers are very proud to be involved with. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing we are able to offer support and help the children have fun and learn new skills” said Kirstie, one of the volunteers who helps plan and organise the events.
Rebecca, one of the cooks, continued “When we do events and I see how much fun the children are having it gives me a sense of pride to see the impact the hard work has on the community.”
Since opening over two years ago the café has run many free or low cost events including drop in sessions for parents and carers looking to learn more about supporting S.E.N.D children, monthly sessions with Citizens Advice, and holiday events over Christmas, Summer, and more.
Michelle said, “Being parents of children with needs we were fully aware of how daunting the journey to diagnosis and beyond is, and we wanted to create a space where parents and carers could come, chat, vent, cry and feel as though there was help and support on their doorstep.
Seeing our community growing and improving S.E.N.D inclusion and knowledge gives me purpose and reason.”