Social work team use Time to Shine initiative to honour former colleague’s memory
Green fingered staff from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have been gardening at the Foxton Centre as part of the University’s’ ‘Time to Shine’ volunteer scheme.
The ‘Time to Shine’ initiative rewards UCLan staff with an additional day of paid special leave to participate in volunteering activities that makes a positive difference to the local community. The Centre, which offers support for the homeless in Preston, has obtained a space in Frenchwood Park through Preston City Council in an effort to establish it as a community green space.
The event also allowed staff to commemorate their colleague Jo Cunningham. Jo, who was Head of the School of Social Work, Care and Community (SWCC) and a trustee of the Foxton Centre, sadly passed away last year. Staff within SWCC thought this would be a tremendous way to pay tribute to her and offered their hands to a place that meant a lot to her.
"Jo was a trustee at the Foxton Centre for a number of years and the one day of volunteering really allowed staff to come together to continue her work and support the Centre."
Yasmeen Ali, Lecturer in Volunteering and Community Leadership, said: “Since Jo’s passing, staff within SWCC have been committed to honouring her memory through various activities. Jo was a trustee at the Foxton Centre for a number of years and the one day of volunteering really allowed staff to come together to continue her work and support the Centre. It also allowed staff to reflect on the amazing work she has done for the Centre, continuing this legacy.”
The Foxton Centre offers support for the homeless within Preston and is situated on Knowsley Street, close to Avenham Park. The centre will also celebrate its 50 year anniversary in 2019.
