Where I work: The Healthy Living Centre Dartford

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson

In my first blog post I briefly mentioned where I work and a little bit about the work of the centre as a whole. I have been volunteering for almost 3 years but I started at the Healthy Diving Centre Dartford on January 10th 2017. At first I was working as a receptionist shadowing my colleague. I found it difficult when answering the phone and taking notes at the same time due to only having one arm that works, which must’ve made me look like a one-armed juggler!!!!

However, the staff at the centre soon realised that I had a talent for working with computers and I was asked to teach ICT to the Silver Surfers, including the Microsoft Office pack and the Learn My Way computer course which helps the students get started on their computing journey .

The classes are  on a Thursday and Friday with two breaks. This ensures that the students have a rest  from using the computer and allows the tutors and students to socialise.

There is another  computer class held on  Wednesday mornings which  specialises in beginners’ ICT and  Microsoft office , Windows 7,8 and 10 operating system training and general ICT.

ESOL classes are also available on Monday afternoons.

The centre doesn’t just offer ICT lessons or receptionist work. There are so many other opportunities to learn or get help, such as benefit or debt advice at SAfE (Smart Advice For Everyone).  On Wednesdays between 1-4pm  there is a Job Club which offers help with Job search and writing CVs and  covering letters, with one to one  support from volunteers and the RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries).

What has a designer handbag got to do with the HLCD? It’s because I am about to tell you of the delicious meals served in the community café.  These are cooked and served by the great teams of volunteers who man the kitchen from Wednesday to Friday each week. The above handbag is actually a cake made by an extremely talented volunteer as a raffle prize!!! Genius

As well as the mouth watering meals, sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes, cakes and pastries are also available. The produce required is mainly obtained from the supermarkets as surplus food. HLCD  also has  an allotment based at a local community centre. 

The café also caters for the 0ver 60s bingo club on Thursday afternoons.  It is such a friendly place that many of the customers come nearly every day for the company and friendship.

The bike scheme is an annual event in partnership with KCC Transport department. This allows people to get back into cycling or find out whether it’s suitable for them by giving them one of the 5 reconditioned bikes HLCD can provide on loan for 3 months. The package  includes a helmet, a set of lights and a florescent jacket for safety.  The scheme  aims to encourage the participants to travel short distances in a healthier and more  environmentally friendly way.

There are so many ongoing and planned activities such as Crafty Tuesday arts and craft club and pre-loved book club, as well as the arranged table top sales and coffee mornings which make  it impossible to talk about everything in one blog post.

It is due to the HLCD that I studied the European Computer Driving License and  I am forever  grateful to them for the opportunities they have given me thus far. I’d like to finish by saying how proud I am to be one of the many  volunteers at the Healthy Living Centre Dartford.