when is this on?
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 In the first part of this brand-new series from Community Channel and BBC, Sarah Falkland introduces stories of outstanding individuals and charitable organisations working for various good causes across the country. From the policemen who collect wedding dresses on behalf of Russian orphanages to a woman who overcame her arthritis to trek around the world, this programme gives you an opportunity to meet some of the many people who donate their time and effort to causes close to their heart. Catch the rest of the series right here on your Community Channel from 18th April.
Finding a job can be hard, even at the best of times, but what do you do if you have no home or you suffer from mental or physical difficulties? Well for many people in the Plymouth area one organisation is helping them to overcome their problems to get the necessary support and training, ultimately helping them to find work and a stable future. Steve Lunt from the BBC’s ‘Spotlight’ meets one of their successful students.
Until recently Martin Widdicombe was sleeping rough on Devil’s Point in Plymouth. Estranged from his family, Martin found himself drifting into a life of crime and punishment. When he was released from prison, Martin was involved in a road accident that left him with severe head injuries that cause him regular blackouts. However, Martin been able to turn his life around thanks to the support he received from the ‘Steady Work Project’, and today he’s a qualified plasterer. Putting his skills to the test Martin was able to help build and decorate the first proper home he’s had in years, and now he assists the charity to do the same for others in similar situations.
He says, "You got through life taking things and then you ant to give something back... now it’s time to give something back. It’s given me some self-esteem and it’s given me some presence, as it were. I made a right mess of my early life so now it’s about time I started putting stuff back."
 Chris Friend from Lewes in East Sussex received the title of ‘Best Traveller of the Year’ for his work with Sussex-based charity Sightsavers, which works to prevent and cure blindness in the developing world. Juliette Parkin from BBC South East Today tells his story.
In the last year Chris covered an astonishing 15 countries, including many impoverished or war-torn, despite being blind himself. Explaining his motivation to continue travelling and working across the world, Chris says: "It’s people. Being with people who have nothing but are always content. They never whinge. It’s just so rewarding to see them struggling in from up-country and coming to meet me, then returning 2 or 3 years later to see the progress they have made. This is what it’s all about and this is what keeps a smile on my face, because I’m so privileged to have the opportunity of having this job."
Florence Creighton has conquered the Sahara desert, climbed the heights of the Andes and crossed the Great Wall of China, but only four years ago she could barely walk due to crippling arthritis. BBC Newsline’s Darryl Grimason catches up with her on a training session. Somehow Florence has overcome her debilitating condition to take on every conceivable challenge in aid of the charity Mencap. She says, "I spent my 50th birthday in bed because I had arthritis in my back. I decided I’d better do something about it and I saw a poster for the Sahara trek for Mencap."
Also featured on this first show in the series are some remarkable farmers who are collectively growing a field of beans to raise money for a local cancer charity following a fellow farmer’s fight with lung cancer; a sports association for people with dwarfism; and a bicycle restoration programme for prison inmates.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 July 2007 )
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