- Volunteers tackle tough painting job
A team of 11 volunteers is heading back to school early for two days this week to brighten up school life for more than 200 school children.
The National Grid volunteers will roll up their sleeves and tackle a tough decorating challenge at both the Dorothy Goodman Upper and Lower Schools in Hinckley. The team will be painting steps, sheds and a playground area with lots of bright coloured paints.
And, when the weather is unsuitable for outdoor painting, the team from Data Assurance at National Grid in Hinckley will tackle the huge main hall and other indoor areas.
James Norman, the National Grid organiser, said: “It’s a real pleasure for National Grid to be involved in this project. We’re really passionate about volunteering and making a difference to our local community. It’s amazing what a difference a group of motivated volunteers can make when working together for a worthwhile cause.
‘We want our efforts to bring a touch of colour to the lives of pupils, while inspiring others to take up a similar community challenge with organisations like the Dorothy Goodman School that really appreciate initiatives like this one.”
The Dorothy Goodman School caters for pupils aged between three and 19 years old with a wide range of learning disabilities.
It currently has 238 pupils who attend one of five bases at the school.
Katharine Lightbown, of Leicestershire Cares, said: “We’re delighted to see volunteers from National Grid return to the Dorothy Goodman School. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of their hard work. To have a more colourful environment in and around the school will make such a positive difference for pupils and staff.”
The painting project, linking National Grid and the Dorothy Goodman School, was organised by Leicestershire Cares.
Leicestershire Cares brings local business and communities together for the mutual benefit of employee volunteering.
Leicestershire-based companies who are interested in participating in future Team Challenges should contact Leicestershire Cares on 0116 275 6469.
National Grid already has a strong link with the Dorothy Goodman School. The company plays a leading role in EmployAbility – a scheme to help young people with learning needs and disabilities to find work.
National Grid is one of a few private UK companies with a defined programme to help students with learning disabilities to find employment.
It identifies a role that an intern can fill before they spend three months on the job while fully supported by a job coach and mentor.
Three teenagers from the Dorothy Goodman School have taken part in the scheme and one has been offered a full-time job starting at National Grid Hinckley in September.