ENGINEERS supported young disabled people by volunteering to help a charity spruce up its building and garden.

An engineering team from GSK Ulverston got to work revamping YouthAbility’s Walney Community Centre by taking on a range of DIY and gardening activities.

This is the second time the team have used their Orange Volunteering Day to support YouthAbility, a Leonard Cheshire Disability inclusive youth group.

The engineers rolled up their sleeves, pulled down trees and created more open space in the garden. They also made a new ball pit and soft play area for disabled and non-disabled young people to enjoy. Finally they spruced up the centre by repainting walls.

Les McLeese, team leader for YouthAbility, said: “The work GSK has done helps us to redevelop the building, which makes it more usable and accessible for all members of the community.”

Craig McCormack, one of the volunteers from GSK said: “I feel good that we’ve helped to improve the facilities for the children and young people who attend the centre.”

Fellow volunteer Leigh Atkinson said: “I loved seeing my colleagues working together as a team. I enjoyed seeing the jobs being completed and knowing that we have made a difference to the community.”

YouthAbility provides inclusive youth services across south Cumbria, including in Barrow and Kendal, and works with more than 100 young people every week. It offers a wide range of activities, youth work sessions trips and residential experiences to young people who often cannot access other clubs in the area.

The service relies heavily on volunteers to help deliver its services. Volunteers can get involved in working with the young people at the youth clubs and they can also take part in a wide range of opportunities available at the centre to maintain the building and the gardens.

All new Leonard Cheshire Disability volunteers complete induction training, which can be delivered as an e-learning package to fit around other commitments. Further training may include interactive workshops, team building day and group discussions, all designed to provide new participants with the skills and confidence needed to work with disabled people.

Details about volunteering with the charity are available by contacting Helen Towers, enabling coordinator on 01539 735735, or by emailing Helen.Towers@leonardcheshire.org