Fiona remarked that I had led quite an unusual life and would I like to tell everyone about it, and explain why I became a volunteer with the Friendship Project, so here goes. Brief synopsis. Twenty-two years in the Army, overcame my fear of heights and became an antenna rigger. Several overseas postings and two years in Northern Ireland on covert operations which involved climbing towers in the dead of night and providing comms for forthcoming SAS operations. Demob. Two-year contract with London Underground as a Trainer then I was out of work and on benefits for the next twelve months. Felt my experience in Northern Ireland was different enough to write the book, so I wrote the book, and got it published. Job offer in the Midlands training engineers to programme and maintain robots. Knew nothing about robots but when you’ve been unemployed for a year, DO you say NO! Several years in the field of robotics then decided to move on and spent seven years integrating homeless persons and ex-offenders back into society.
SO! Why did I become a volunteer with the Friendship Project? Because I read the findings of a government body that stated children who have an unhappy childhood are the ones most likely to suffer from mental health issues later in life, and I felt I had to do my bit.
The Friendship Project for Children is a local Warwickshire Charity and their aim is to improve the emotional and social well-being of disadvantaged children who are referred to us by Children’s Services.
We are extremely proud of what we do, and over the years we have helped over 1,000 children reach adulthood and become well rounded individuals with new and extended life skills and increased confidence.
We currently have friendships with 47 children but we are looking to recruit more Volunteers as we have a similar number of disadvantaged children on our waiting list. The Friendship Project’s running costs are currently £43,000 per year and whatever you can do to help, be it becoming a volunteer, or donating, it will definitely make a difference to a child’s life. You can contact Fiona on 0782 8078 015 or email her at fionaroche@friendshipproject.co.uk.
Terry collecting a cheque from Waitrose on our behalf for £500. Thank you, Waitrose! 🙂
