Derwen College Charity, based in Gobowen, is opening its doors to offer a range of new and exciting volunteer opportunities for people in the community. A Volunteer Open Day takes place at the life-changing specialist College, near Oswestry, on Wednesday, 12 October between 10am and 3pm.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the volunteering opportunities at Derwen, can pop in for homemade cake, hot drinks and a chat to our friendly staff who will be on hand to discuss the exciting projects happening around the college.

There will be a chance to talk about volunteering in the Woodland Walk, Walled Garden, The Vintage Advantage charity shop and helping out at fundraising events, including the up and coming Christmas Fayre which takes place from 25–27 November.

Fundraising coordinator, Anna Evans said: “Derwen College is a unique place to work because we know we are making a difference every day to the lives of the students and residents who learn, train and live here.

“We are a registered charity and have been working hard over the past two years to overcome many of the difficulties caused by the Covid pandemic. We are now in a great position to offer some exciting volunteering opportunities in our commercial and fundraising areas, and would love to welcome more volunteers into Derwen to help us achieve our goals.

“One of our major projects is to create an accessible and beautiful environment for people and nature, in our Woodland Walk. Lots of work clearing pathways has already been done, but more is needed. For example, we will soon be planting bulbs such as bluebells, wood anemone and wild garlic in the woods to create a fantastic feast for the eyes, nose and ears.  And we need help to do this.

“Our Woodland Walk is a special place for our students and staff, and is also open to the public. We would really appreciate some extra help to maintain and develop the area.”

Other areas for volunteering include the college’s award-winning charity shop, The Vintage Advantage, and the Walled Garden which is a formal garden open to the public. Both areas are popular with visitors to the college.

Anna added: “As a charity, we have limited resources, but that doesn’t mean we can’t achieve great things. Everything we do as a charity supports our students and long-term residents and all potential volunteers would be helping us to achieve our charitable aims.  We have experienced and trained staff who can help people to learn new skills and we can offer great benefits including 10% discount in our retail areas to anyone who joins our team as a registered volunteer.”

For more information about this event or volunteering at Derwen College contact Anna Evans on 01691 661234 or anna.evans@derwen.ac.uk