Date Added: 12/01/2012
The Acorns Project
The process of returning to paid employment is often a difficult one for EDAS service users and the value of voluntary work as a constructive part of this process is well recognized. The Acorns project is a constructive stepping stone in this process as well as a value service for rural Dorset.
Current Projects offering Facilitated Volunteering:
The Acorns project provides safety equipment and transport where necessary but more importantly a practical opportunity for clients to develop work experience in a supportive and structured way.
Dorset Wildlife Trust, The Kingcombe Centre.
The Kingcombe Centre has a range of wildlife and environmental activities and visitors centre open for the public and is set in a 1000 acres of Dorset countryside. The Acorns project provides a team of volunteers to work across the estate on a weekly basis (Friday 10.00-3.00). The type of work undertaken includes hard landscaping, bush work, woodland maintenance, dry stone walling amongst others.
Toller Porcorum, Village Work.
The picturesque village of Toller Porcorum calls on the project when it needs help with church yard, hedgerows and routine village maintenance.
Holt Wood Community Farm.
The Holt Wood Community Farm undertakes a range of farm animal husbandry, horticulture, machine maintenance conservation and wildlife activities. The Acorns project provides a team of volunteers to work on the farm on a weekly basis (Thursday 10.00-3.00).
The Acorns project provides safety equipment and transport where necessary but more importantly a practical opportunity for clients to develop work experience in a supportive and structured way.
Acorns Future Developments:
There are possible educational opportunities that can be developed alongside the type of work experience being offered by these initiatives, with obvious links to Kingston Mauward and community colleges.
Feedback from service users:
“Learning new skills and feeling part of a team. D”
“I’m learning new things most weeks and it has helped me change. J”
The guys get to enjoy being part of conservation and renovation projects...
“I have gained friendships and team spirit. ...and develop confidence and self worth. A”
“Great sense of achievement, M”
