Jimmy Armit is one of our volunteers, he supports young people in Painting and Decorating. Jimmy has been with us for almost two years and brings with him a lifetime of experience in P and D.
Jimmy is always keen to roll up his sleeves and “have a go” so it was no surprise when he volunteered to accompany young people and staff on a residential. Jimmy talked to Volunteer Co-ordinator Sheila Ryder about his experiences.
Which residentials have you taken part in and where did you go?
In 2005 I went to Broomley Grange in the Tyne Valley and the bunkhouse at Chathill, near Alnwick, twice.
Which staff member went along with you?
Chris Norris, Gary Philip and I took the P&D learners to Broomley Grange last July and I went to Chathill last November with Chris and Bob Devitt. Bob and I also took a group there in February
How many learners did you take?
We usually took a group of about eight young people.
How long were you on residential for?
The residentials were for 24 hours i.e. one day and one night
What type of activities were learners taking part in?
The learners had the opportunity to get involved in outdoor activities such as skiing, rope/tree climbing and zip wire.
How did learners benefit from their experience?
Most of the activities were good team building activities. For example when using the rope climbing equipment to get to the top of the trees, the young people soon realised that they had to work with the others in order to get to the top
What was your role during the residential?
My main role was in the catering department. The young people didn’t get involved in the cooking. It was my job to help prepare the evening meal and to organise the young people to help with the clearing up afterwards & the washing up.
What did you enjoy about the experience?
It was really good to get out in the countryside with the young people, away from all the traffic and hustle and bustle of everyday life. I also really enjoyed helping out on the skiing. Having been a skier in my army days I was able to offer quite a bit of advice. I was itching to get up there and have a go myself but sadly, because of an injury, that wasn’t possible. All the same, I enjoyed it.
What did you find most challenging about the experience?
Cooking a breakfast for ten (of bacon, bangers, scrambled eggs and beans) was quite a challenge. It had to be all ready by 8am. Luckily I’m an early riser!
Did you receive any special training before you took part?
No. I think if you’re lucky enough to have common sense that will see you through
Would you volunteer to go on a residential again?
Nae bother!
Would you recommend the residential experience to other volunteers?
Certainly!
When Shirley Jackson (Training supervisor, Beauty) first set Beauty Learners at Palmersville the challenge of arranging a fundraising day for Breast Cancer Care, she could not have imagined how successful the day would be.”