Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham and the Big Help Out 2024

Last week was Volunteer’s Week, an annual event that recognises, celebrates and thanks the UK’s volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole. The Big Help Out coincides with the week, this year took place from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June.

The objective of The Big Help Out is to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK and provide opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham took part in the Big  Help Out with Sw!tch Futures, part of Lifeline Community Projects, who provide mentoring and positive activities for young people. We held an intergenerational event at a local care home for an enriching and rewarding experience for both age groups.

Young people aged between 13 and 18 enjoyed playing board games and chatting to the residents of the care home, and the visit was enjoyed by young and old alike.

We are grateful to all of the staff at George Brooker House for welcoming us, and want to say a big thank you to all the young people that gave their time to the visit!

You can find out more about the Big Help Out here.