Lockdown volunteers care for Calderdale community

Hundreds of volunteers across the district have spent their lockdown helping vulnerbale members of the community.

From kind neighbours walking dogs and picking up percriptions, to dab hands in the kitchen making meals for key workers, Calderdale has shown that community spirit is truly at its core.

After being furloughed from her job at a local Community Association, Dodnaze resident Rachel Tighe, 47, decided to help vulnerable residents by picking up shopping and prescriptions.

“These exceptional circumstances are providing real opportunities to celebrate the goodness in people and volunteering has helped me form symbiotic relationships with people in need which has made me feel great and positive,” said Rachel.

Nineteen year old Charlotte Bingham from Cragg Vale, was due to start studying History at the University of Nottingham in September. During lockdown, Charlotte has been volunteering at the communications team at the Community Foundation For Calderdale.

“By volunteering, I’m getting some great work experience which I can put on my CV, and it’s an opportunity to build professional connections and find out more about the industry I want to work in,” said Charlotte.

Southowram photographer Danny Thompson, has been capturing the work of Focus 4 Hope, who are currently delivering food parcels across the region.

“I wanted to be able to use my skills to do something to help. It’s a brilliant charity doing life saving work and I wanted to document this. Photography is my passion and I’m really missing it being in lock down. Going out and taking the shots gave me my buzz back, and it gave me a sense of purpose too.”

Colette Lumb, 64, was already a regular vounteers at the Halifax Society for the Blind, preparing weekly lunches. Prior to her retirement, Colette, who lives in Well Head, worked in education with students who had a visual impairment. During lockdown, she has volunteered as a befriender for isolated service users.

“I make calls on a Tuesday to three ladies, who seem to appreciate my calls, which is nice. As a volunteer, I also look forward our conversations,” said Colette.

For more information on volunteering opportunities, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/jobs-and-volunteering/volunteering.