Page 46 - link magazine

46 swindonlink.com • July 2010
Cafes boost volunteer confidence and bring communities together
West Swindon Community Cafe volunteers were recognised for their efforts during national volunteer week in early June, with certi ficates
presented by the mayor.
The two cafes, based in "We'dliketoofferourbestsell-
Toothill Church and Freshbrook ing'Round Pound' breakfast to
Church, coordinated by Tina more people, but also use this
Mackie and Carol Gibbon, rely — _ chance to expand our menu
on the help of the 14 volunteers, - and introduce some modern
who also received small gifts for and popular cafe culture
their efforts. a snacks. We miss being at the
The Mayor Coun Rex Barnett community centre very much,
praised volunteering and said - and are actively recruiting
the cafes had a well established new volunteers so that we can
reputation around Swindon. ; returnthereinthenearfuture."
Volunteers range from as To find out more about
young as 7 years to the active - helping, call the cafe hotline
over 80s. Carol said the success on 07944 134915.
of the cafes was down to them, The Community Cafes run
"we could not functionwithout our ginning, five years ago, but, the Carol and Tina want to expand at Toothill Church on Monday and
volunteers - they make the cafe a cafe offered training opportunities the cafe and open another day, but Freshbrook Evangelical Church on
vibrant place and their enthusiasm and personal development. "Our will need more volunteers. "Our Wednesday, 9.30am - 1.30pm.
to ensure the community is better mission to help volunteers achieve wish is to return to the newly re- Anew website atwww.swindon-
for everyone is inspirational." their potential means we do have opened Freshbrook Community communitycafes.org.uk includes
She added that some helpers a steady turnover as we encourage Centre on this extra day," said Carol. full menus and latest news.
have been involved since the be- them to reach their goals. Everyone i
is trusted and shares the responsi- Make plans for the end of life
Freshbrook bingo bility. Some have health problems
has places or disabilities. They all say the cafe Death and dying - it's not easy to talk about it but it does happen to
all of us and a free conference on Tuesday 13 July, 10am to 3pm, at the
hashelped them grow in confidence
West Swindon residents are and self-esteem. Jurys Inn, will address the issues that people prefer not to discuss.
invited into Elsie Hazel Court at "For some this has led to work in Organised by Swindon Local likely it is that our wishes will be
Freshbrook Community Centre the catering industry or being able Involvement Network (LINk) in respected."
for weekly bingo sessions on to go back into education. Three association with NHS Swindon Some 2,119 people died in Swin-
Thursdays from 1.30pm, eyes of our volunteers have completed and Prospect Hospice, there will be don last year, just over half in hos-
down at 2.30pm. Refreshments their Customer Services Level 2 presentations, discussions, displays pital and yet, given half a chance,
and raffle available; no need to NVQ and used the cafe as work and information and opportunities many might have preferred to be
book, just turn up and play. experience for the course." to talk about some of the things we cared for in the comfort of their
least want to think about, home with all the support that could
Jo Osorio, Swindon LINk coordi- have been available.
On Thames Avenue nator said, "there's a good reason Experiences vary; no two are the
next door to to talk about death and dying, not same so the challenge for health and
easy by any means but the sooner care services is to know what people
Morrisons we talk to people we care about or would prefer as they reach the last
Contact: those who care about us, the more months or weeks — and then try to
Revd Raymond Adams ensure those wishes are respected.
Osteoporosis All aspects of death and dying
Tel: 634258
and acupuncture and the technicalities that usually
St. John's Haydon Wick Swindon Osteoporosis Support cause huge confusion for the family
atatimeofdistress-Iikehowtofind
Group meets on Friday 9 July,
1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Health the registrar, arranging a funeral,
Sunday Services
Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon. organ donations - will be looked at.
gam Traditional communion service Speaker: Swindon acupuncturist The event is free but booking is
11am Eventful, contemporary worship Janice Booth essential. To find out how to really
with children's groups meeting Visitors are welcome to attend live wellwhenyou know thatyou're
or mail: swindonosteoporosis@ going to die, call 497777 or mail:
www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk googlemail.com [email protected]

WEST SWINDON &THE LYD1AKDS
CHUKCH PAKTNEKSHTP
Sunday Worship 10.30am
Join us in worship on Sunday mornings Sunday School and Creche
Westlea Church, Westlea School: loam Meeting at Abbey Meads
NSBC
s, Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: loam Community School
hard Millicent - the church in the village: 1o.3oam
J3
Holy Trinity, Shaw: 1o.3oam ^
Toothill Church: 1o.3oam
Commu
For details of these and our other services
^` School
call the Partnership Office on 874221 t Abbot/
vxi,Qe
Email: partnershipoffice(a^btopenworld.com
,vww.wswinlyd.org.uk