"You make a real difference – without you our charity would not thrive"

A special celebration to highlight and thank Teamwork Trust’s many volunteers took place at Rockingham Castle this week.

Over 60 volunteers attended the event on Tuesday 19^th March – all receiving a special certificate in recognition of their continued dedication and support. A tour of the prestigious castle and an opportunity to meet and speak to other volunteers and staff was also part of the celebration.

Teamwork’s head of development, Victoria Bell said: “To have so many of our charity’s devoted volunteers together in the wonderful setting of Rockingham Castle was very exciting indeed. It is the skills, time and passion of our unpaid volunteers that makes Teamwork Trust such an inspiring and life-changing charity. Through their continued support, fundraising and efforts, we are able to give more adults with mental health needs, learning and physical disabilities even more opportunities. Without these people our charity would not thrive, which is why we wanted to say a huge thank you.”

The special celebration was all possible thanks to the kind donation from The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, who has been supporting Teamwork as his Charity of the Year.

Among Teamwork’s young volunteers at the event was 17-year-old Martha McKeown who helps out once a week at the Wellingborough centre. She said: “I started at Teamwork through a college placement and enjoyed it so much I decided to stay. I feel so honoured to have been invited to the celebration event. Teamwork is such an amazing charity and I feel so lucky to be able to support them. I enjoy every moment I spend with the members – it means so much to have an impact on their lives, even if it’s just a small one. Volunteering is the best thing I ever did.”

Rachel Collins, area manager at Aldi in Kettering and Wellingborough, started volunteering at Teamwork before she became a trustee. She said: "I loved getting to know the members as a volunteer – seeing how hard the staff work and how much of a positive impact the charity has on people’s lives. My contribution helps ensure Teamwork can continue its work and that is a great feeling. I am delighted to be doing my bit for such an important organisation.”

Linda Arneill organised Teamwork’s first ever charity golf day in 2018 and is now planning this year’s event. She said: “I turned to Teamwork Trust a few years ago when I became unwell with mental health issues. Their counselling support is getting me through a difficult period and I wanted to give something back and show my appreciation. I love knowing that the money I help to raise makes a big difference to the charity.”

For more information on how to get involved in Teamwork Trust and to become a volunteer visit: https://www.teamworktrust.co.uk/volunteer-for-us