Volunteers give a little time and achieve a lot

A LISKEARD training centre for adults with learning disabilities has received a boost with the launch of Cornwall Council's staff volunteering scheme.

The Friends of Morley Tamblyn Lodge held a table-top sale at the centre to coincide with the launch, raising more than £600 to fund extra activities including trips to the theatre.

Cornwall Council volunteers, from left, Steve Foster, Councillor Armand Toms, Paul Masters, Katie Weston, Penny Stevenson, Terry Stanton, Alison Ward, Catherine Gill, Annie Moore and Councillor Carolyn Rule.

David Pengelly, who works at the centre, said the council volunteers cleared a wildlife area in the grounds. "It was phenomenal," he said. "It would have taken us 12 months to do what they did in a morning."

Martin Webb, council support officer for Volunteer Cornwall, which matches volunteers with organisations that need them, said the work was carried out as part of the Cornwall Council Employee Volunteering Scheme.

A group of 15 people, including council employees and Cabinet members, worked in the grounds and helped with the preparations for the centre's Christmas table-top sale.

"The team cleared an area around an overgrown pond, built and restored flowerbeds and vegetable beds and spread manure in the polytunnels," he said.

They prepared cakes and craft items, as well as helping to sell them, carried out car park duties and sold raffle tickets.

Centre staff member Mary Trevail said: "Volunteering and fundraising is really important to us, so that we can do more for the people who use the service.

"The Friends of Morley Tamblyn Lodge support us really well, and we're delighted staff from the council helped to make our table-top sale a success, and to tidy up our gardens."

Mr Webb said the volunteering scheme aimed to build on existing work and increase council employees' understanding of local needs and public services.

Councillor Carolyn Rule, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing and human resources, said: "Working with Volunteer Cornwall has highlighted how important it is to make it easier for people to get involved with volunteering. The spirit is that everyone has something to give, and we know there's a lot of goodwill from staff."

To find out about opportunities to volunteer, visit www. volunteercornwall.org.uk