A group of staff from the South West College volunteered with learning disability charity Mencap recently at their Supported Living Service in Omagh. The volunteering was set up as part of a Staff Development Day at the College and helped Mencap tenants in two of their houses with gardening, weeding, planting and painting fences.
Regina Gormley, Human Resource Officer at South West College said: “Volunteering is a great way to give something back to the community, we can easily take things for granted such as our health and ability to do simple things like making a cup of tea and getting dressed. During our busy daily schedules we can easily forget to think on others, however taking five minutes out of busy schedule to help someone else can make their entire day. “
Shiona Heslip, Mencap Volunteer Co-ordinator said: “I would like to thank the staff from South West College for their support and the natural way they interacted with the tenants. Volunteering is such an important way to develop better understanding and inclusion of people with a learning disability.”
The volunteering was kindly supported by local businesses within the Omagh area who provided materials to enable to volunteers and residents to complete their jobs. Evergreen Nurseries in Omagh generously donated plants, pots and compost, and Homebase in Omagh, donated paint and roller kits to paint the fences surrounding the gardens.
Sam Henderson, Mencap Support Worker said: “It’s great to see volunteers from the local community getting involved and it really helps the people we work with to build their confidence, learn new skills and meet and work with new people. The Mencap tenants are a part of the community and love people getting involved.”