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Press Release: 19th April 2007
“I’m just trying to better myself by volunteering.” - Ashley, National Trust volunteer
Community Channel’s documentary No Limits looks first hand at the life-changing experiences of a handful of socially challenged youngsters, each with a remarkable story to tell, who face life head on with a more optimistic and confident outlook thanks to volunteering. The programme will be shown on Monday 23rd April @ 7pm, (repeated Friday 27th April @ 8pm).
Danny and Ashley were given a fresh start when they became involved with the National Trust as part of a community service scheme. They were taken to peaceful places where they were able to prove themselves, giving them the strength they needed to stay away from drugs and alcohol. The boys were surprised how much they enjoyed the project and found they became more tolerant of others and gain confidence, enabling them to help young people in similar situations.
The Hamara Family Project, works alongside Barnardo’s, and welcomed the ‘bubbly and lovely’ volunteering sisters Arfa and Afshan. The pair worked with disabled children, giving them the opportunity to interact with other people while assisting them if required. On a visit to the zoo, Arfa realised how much she can give to others through volunteering, and comments: “it’s just something I feel good about. I can’t think of anything better you could do.”
Also working with Barnardo’s, on a separate project called Black Country Wheels, Andy managed to turn his own life around while working together with other young people to build and maintain cars. The programme provides mechanics training to young people, alongside guidance to get their life together. One young individual involved in the volunteering programme shows it’s not just about the training: “wheels is the family I never had.”
Through the Wiggles and Jiggles Playgroup, Collette, a mentally handicapped volunteer seeking to reach out to children, has her story chronicled by an advisor at Westminster Employment. The shy and reserved young girl that came through her doors before volunteering grew into a more mature, confident, and independent young lady through her love for volunteering with the National Trust project. Similarly, Ivan, a 20-year-old father who got the chance to make something of himself through the National Trust’s volunteering schemes, sharpened up his communication skills and self-motivation through work as a tour guide.
Volunteering truly shaped and moulded these young individuals’ lives for the better, and continues to push all towards great future successes.
Ends
For viewing copies, images and interviews please contact Rachel Lailey on 020 7874 7908 or email rachell@communitychannel.org
Notes to editors:
Community Channel is TV that gives a damn. It makes you think again about the world around you, and inspires you to take action on the causes and issues that matter to you. Broadcasting original shows, the best of terrestrial TV and showcasing the work of new directors and community programme makers; Community Channel is the place for real-life stories. The channel is broadcast 24 hours a day, every day on Sky 539, Virgin TV 233, and from 6-9am on Freeview 87. The channel is freely available to around 45 million people in 18.2 million homes across the country and around 1.9 million people watch every month (BARB). Community Channel is a Media Trust initiative. Visit www.communitychannel.org
The National Trust protects and opens to the public over 300 historic houses and gardens and 49 industrial monuments and mills, also looking after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - for ever, for everyone. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Barnardo’s supports 110,000 children and their families through 383 vital projects at home, school and the local community. Every project is different but each has the same goal: protecting, nurturing and providing opportunities for the most vulnerable children and young people over the long term, and enabling them to face the future with hope. Visit http://www.barnardos.org.uk
City of Westminster is currently undertaking an initiative entitled One City, which consists of eighteen initiatives to improve life in the heart of London. It is also driven by a commitment to deliver strong united communities,to maintain the order that makes city life possible and create the opportunities which allow individuals, families, businesses and communities to flourish. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk
Westminster Employment is a specialist employment service dedicated to assisting and supporting people with disabilities to find work. With a team of highly experienced Employment Advisors, we can assist, support and guide people to make informed choices about their future.
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