AS THE new year starts, many groups and residents in Frome need extra support, so why not get involved and help make the town a thriving place to live?
The Mayor of Frome, cllr Sara Butler, says that volunteering in the local community is more important than ever this year, given the extra pressure of the rising cost of living.
She said, “One of the real privileges of being mayor this last year has been the opportunity to meet with so many of our brilliant community groups, organisations and charities that work so hard to support people in need across the town.
“Given the hard times that so many are facing during this current cost-of-living crisis, it’s worth thinking about ways that you may be able to help in this new year. We are lucky to have so many organisations and groups run by people who are able to give up even a small amount of their time to help others, and it’s so important to recognise what a massive contribution that can make to the incredible community spirit we have here.
“Volunteering is so rewarding and can encompass a whole range of skills and experiences that you may have to offer. Opportunities include, for example, helping out at Fair Frome, which runs our food bank, furniture bank and a whole host of other support services. This could be packing food parcels for families in need, picking up and delivering furniture, or helping at the much-needed food at five sessions, where hot meals are provided.
“Whether it is helping to tackle poverty and hardship, or helping to support some of our amazing arts organisations, there is something for everyone. Our theatres, for example, rely mainly on volunteer support to stay open and keep putting on wonderful shows and performances for the town to enjoy. The well-loved carnival also benefits enormously from the time that people put in on a voluntary basis to make it happen. Active and In Touch, who help to tackle loneliness and isolation, is a vital organisation always in need of more helping hands. We are also lucky to have so many charity shops supporting a range of charities, so if you have retail skills, why not contact one of them?
“As well as helping others, volunteering can be so personally rewarding. It can help to combat loneliness, by making connections with others, finding opportunities to share skills or indeed learn new ones and build greater confidence. Making new friends and being part of your local community through volunteering is shown to provide such positive health and mental wellbeing benefits.
“From my own experience working with Fair Frome, I can vouch for how personally rewarding such work can be. If you think you may have a little time to spare as we enter 2023, then do have a look at Frome Town Council’s website where there is a directory of volunteering opportunities – I am certain that you will find something that not only makes you feel good, but also helps provide support to one of our many incredible organisations.”
Some of the local organisations that need volunteers include: Active and in Touch, Frome Birth Talk, the Barnardo’s shop on Forest Road Parade, Community Speedwatch, and The Pod.
