Newton Community Centre takes day to thank 'amazing' army of volunteers

Due to an "army of volunteers", Newton Community Centre on Park Road South has been able to become a real community hub that offers a "massive timetable" of events and host a variety of local groups.

In addition to five paid members of staff, around 42 volunteers regularly attend the centre to ensure activities such as kids clubs, fitness sessions and wellbeing meetings can go ahead.

Around 42 people regularly volunteer at the community centre

The team at the community centre organised the afternoon to show their gratitude to the volunteers

With the community centre completely self-funded, the volunteers also get involved with fundraising events as well as the general upkeep of the building and garden.

More recently, the group of volunteers have helped with foodbank collections and donations towards Ukrainian refugees.

The centre became a hub for donations to Ukraine recently

Lisa Hulme, manager at Newton Community Centre, said: "Our army of volunteers help us with a variety of things and all give their time to us free of charge.

"Since the pandemic started, we have not had the chance to have all the volunteers in one place.

"So we wanted to do something to say thank you and show them that we are genuinely grateful for all they do - we are very fortunate to have them here."

The event was the first time that volunteers could all meet in person

"We have a lovely relationship with the community, which works both ways with the way they help us through volunteering or through the recent donations to Ukraine."

The 'Thank You' Afternoon Tea took place on Saturday, March 5

Newton Community Centre, on Park Road South