Opportunities to Volunteer as an Environmental Champion

Solihull's Environmental Champions tackle the environmental issues that affect everyone in the Solihull borough, graffiti, littering, cutting back vegetation, pond clearing, painting play equipment, to name just a few. Anyone can be an Environment Champion, the only requirement is an interest in protecting and improving Solihull's environment, and the quality of life of those living within it. Over the coming months the Environmental Champions have a number of projects planned and would welcome your involvement in any project which interests you. Why not join them at one of the following?:

• 29th July - 10am to 12 noon - Community Clear up of Dorridge Park
• 11th August - Plane Grove - Replacing a shrub bed

• 15th August - 10.30 to 1.30pm - Community Clear up of Babbs Mill Park
• 2^nd September – National Grid replanting Laburnum Avenue shrub beds
• 3^rd September – Berkswell project day with National Grid
• 7th September - 10.30am to 12.30pm - Community Clear Up of Malvern and Brueton Park
• 8^th September – Celebration Evening for Volunteers 4.30pm to 6.30pm
• 11^th September – Hillfields Park – Bulb planting project under the umbrella of the Solihull Festivals
• 16^th September – Phase II of Sandhills pond clearing
• 21^st September – 2pm to 3.30pm clean up of open space at the end of Horton Road
• 22^nd September – National Grid Monkspath Bulb Planting and Clean up
• 25^th September – Babbs Mill Park – Bulb planting project under the umbrella of the Solihull Festivals.
• 7th October - 10.30am to 12.30pm - Community Clear Up of Elmdon Park
• 13^th October – national Grid helping with Golden Jubilee Gardens
• 14^th October – 10.30am to 12.30pm – Pride in Olton Community Clean Up
• 16^th October – 10.30am to 12.30pm – Community Clear Up of Hillfields Park

To discuss the projects please contact Trish Willetts on 0121 704 6534. Alternatively you could e-mail pwilletts@solihull.gov.uk

Volunteering has helped give me back my confidence

People volunteer for a myriad of different reasons. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing with you the experiences of some of the people who volunteer in Solihull. This first post is from a Volunteer of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

"When I was asked to write an article on my own personal reasons why I became a volunteer at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust I was delighted as it was my golden opportunity to share with others the wonderful opportunity of voluntary work for those that have been not only ill, but mentally ill such as myself. As a schizophrenia sufferer I was sent through an agency whose task it is to find voluntary work to help those who've been ill recover and get back into the swing of things.

The staff at the Parkridge Centre – Solihull have been a pillar of strength and have extended the hand of friendship so freely that going to work is one of the highlights of the week –fact! I have found that not only do they give me credit for what I am capable of, they actually try to save up work for the next time I come into the office. The work is fun, interesting, a wide variance of people and someone who is always willing to help if I am unsure about anything.

It is directly due to the National Health Service and the team at the Wildlife Trust that I feel my confidence returning. I feel less isolated and feel worthwhile again as doing voluntary work helps make me feel I am contributing. Thanks to all very very much."

More details of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust can be found on their website
http://www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk