Wolves Foundation: 'Keep Doing Good' to make a difference to your community
One of the few positives that has emerged during the recent months of the Covid-19 pandemic, a rare beacon of light amid such a challenging time, has been a heightened sense of togetherness and teamwork which has flowed through the community.
From applauding the heroism of NHS and social care workers, making acquaintances with neighbours who were previously strangers, raising funds, and generally helping others where required, the people of Wolverhampton and indeed the country as a whole have seemingly pressed the reset button and perhaps developed a greater understanding of what is really important.
One of the many areas where Wolves Foundation continued to support the community amid their many different initiatives has been through volunteering, and helping the City of Wolverhampton Council with their work for the elderly and vulnerable.
The Foundation had already handed over its Arena at Aldersley to allow extra space for the council’s food operation, but staff also got involved to help with shopping for elderly residents who were unable to leave their homes.
“One of the reasons I decided to volunteer is that I love meeting new people,” said Foundation sports coach Tom Kalinowski.
“But I also thought that if it was my parents or grandparents who needed this sort of support, I hope someone would be there to help out.”
“As awful as this time has been for many, it has also been a time that has brought us together in many senses and reminded us of the power of kindness and generosity,” added Education Officer Harina Basra.
The opportunity to volunteer is one which is open to all, and the Foundation are now involved with an initiative which offers younger people the chance to play a positive role within their communities during the summer holidays.
Residential
Keep Doing Good is a project which is part of the National Citizen Service (NCS) initiative, which offers 16 and 17-year-olds the opportunity to work together as part of a personal social development initiative.
Last year’s Wolves NCS programme included a fantastic residential in Wales, and similar activities had been planned for this summer only to be postponed due to Covid-19.
So now, the Foundation are hoping that young people of Year 11 age will instead sign up to offer a minimum of 16 hours of their time over the summer holidays to volunteer in their local community.
“Essentially, Keep Doing Good is an amazing opportunity for Year 11 pupils to support Wolverhampton and help tackle community issues that already existed or have emerged due to Covid-19,” explains Harina.
“Through Keep Doing Good, pupils will be given the platform to volunteer with the Foundation and collectively make a positive impact in Wolverhampton.
“It is a national government-funded programme with the aim of bringing 15 to 17-year-olds together to help rebuild their local community, either working with existing charities or creating and delivering their own project which will have a positive impact on the community and the environment.”
One participant who would encourage taking part in the NCS scheme is 18-year-old Lewis Maybury, who is studying for the Football Academy Level 3 Diploma at the City Of Wolverhampton College, and attended last year’s residential.
“At first I was a bit sceptical about it, but it was a really good experience, using teamwork and getting involved in canoeing, raft-building, caving and rock climbing,” he says.
“Getting involved was a great way to get to know people at what was the start of the course, and I would definitely encourage people to get involved in NCS because you get a lot out of it.”
Young people can visit wearencs.com/keep-doing-good to find out more about the summer initiative, or email harinabasra@wolves.co.uk for more information.
To find out more about the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation, the official charity of Wolves visit wolves.co.uk/foundation
