Somerset Community Volunteers
Support Ups and Downs Southwest with Generous DonationWe are thrilled to announce that Ups and Downs Southwest has been chosen as a recipient of a £1,000 donation from the Somerset Community Volunteers, a local group dedicated to supporting their community since the devastating floods of 2014.
Barrie Reid, who heads up the Somerset Community Volunteers initiative, shared the story behind the group’s formation and their continued commitment to the local community:
Somerset Community Volunteers were formed following the devastating floods to the Somerset Levels in 2014. The group was made up of around a thousand people from all walks of life, but with one mission: to help the local community in its time of need. For a year, the volunteers gave up their time to help clear damaged properties, salvage possessions, clean, and decorate to help families return to their homes.Since the flood clean-up, the number of group members has decreased, but those that remain are a core part of the community. We help with gardening, decorating, and being a friendly face, dropping in for a cuppa for residents with no family nearby.2024 marks our 10th anniversary, which we celebrated by reuniting with former volunteers and residents to share memories of our work. Funds raised through our group are donated annually to local charities, with each of our five trustees selecting a charity to support.Last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting a young man in his early 20s who has Down Syndrome at a Wurzels concert at Somerset Cricket Ground. His enthusiasm and love for the band were infectious, and my wife and I spent the whole concert singing and dancing with him. When choosing my charity this year, I researched local Down Syndrome charities, leading me to Ups and Downs Southwest. My donation to you is because of these inspiring individuals.
Joanna Thorn, Director of Ups and Downs Southwest, expressed her gratitude for the donation:
We are incredibly grateful to Barrie Reid and the Somerset Community Volunteers for this generous donation. This £1,000 will go a long way in supporting our mission to provide resources, support, and services to families and individuals with Down Syndrome across Somerset and the surrounding areas.What makes this donation even more special is knowing it comes from a group that has been a pillar of strength for the local community for a decade. This act of kindness is a testament to the power of local organizations in Somerset supporting each other and working together to make a difference. We are proud to be part of a community that values and uplifts all its members.
Alison and Barrie presenting cheque to Jo from Ups and Downs Southwest