Cherry Tree House and Pines, two residential care services for adults with learning disabilities and autism, are dedicating their time to give back to their neighbourhood, whilst increasing their activity levels.
Driven by a desire to do something meaningful as a group, the Cygnet Social Care residents responded to a community volunteering initiative and stepped up to deliver newspapers across Mansfield Woodhouse.
Jonathan, an individual supported at Pines, shared his enthusiasm to get involved.
He said: “I like to help the community, it makes me feel good. My Mum would be proud.
“I like a newspaper so it is good I can take them to everyone else. I like to go out and then collect my own daily paper on the way back.”
Sophie Hill, Service Manager at the Cygnet Social Care services, explained the benefits of the volunteering.
She said: “This is a great community project for Pines and Cherry Tree House to do together and give back to our local community.
“Our main focus is integrating our residents into the community and making them feel like an integral part of the local area. It’s a great way for our residents to build relationships with others.”
As well as delivering up to 160 newspapers a month, residents are clocking the miles, supporting their overall wellbeing and helping them to lead more active lifestyles.
Sophie continued: “It’s become a really fun activity for staff and residents to do with each other, whilst being more active.
“Our residents really look forward to going out every month to do this. They’ve really got into the swing of it. Members of the public also seem really pleased to see our residents when they deliver their paper, which is amazing.”
Alongside strengthening relationships within the local community, the volunteering initiative is supporting residents’ wellbeing, confidence and sense of purpose.
Callum, a resident at Cherry Tree House, explained: “I like being out in the community and interacting with people while delivering the papers. It is fun to go out with staff and my peers to do this.
“Helping people makes me feel happy, proud and amazing. It gives me confidence in myself.”
To thank the residents for their volunteering efforts, Warsop Parish Council, the newspaper company, will be hosting an animal therapy session for residents to enjoy.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their continued contribution and have been extremely pleased with the support provided by Cygnet and the residents,” explained Warsop Parish Council.
“The papers are consistently delivered on time, and the residents have proven to be reliable, enthusiastic and a valued part of our delivery team.
“Their involvement has been a really positive example of partnership working and demonstrates the many ways in which local organisations and residents can contribute to their community.”
Cherry Tree House and Pines’ efforts have been shared as part of Cygnet Social Care’s ‘Cygnet in the Community’ campaign, which aims to showcase how residents within social care settings are undertaking inspiring and powerful work in their communities.