I founded Darwen Community Helpers in 2019 after I completed my 4-year bachelor’s degree in applied psychology (counselling & health).
During covid I recognised a group of people in my town that needed that little bit more support but wasn’t getting it from anywhere else.
I provided assistance to them which meant a great deal to them and me. After I realised how much it really helped them I set out on a journey to help more people in my community.
I started putting on weekly well-being classes on at the local community centre and it was a hit. I arranged a day trip to a theme park for families who wouldn’t usually be able to get there and it was a fantastic day enjoyed by all. I put on afternoon teas for the Jubilee celebrations for the community and it created special memories for the community.I have also ran eating healthy on a budget with exercise classes.
I was the first person to set up a donation point at the local community centre and my own home for the locals to donate to the Ukrainian people. It was a huge success.
Among this I also provide support to vulnerable adults who may need help collecting groceries, prescriptions, transport to appointments or someone to talk too.
The last few months have been quite difficult for me as I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have just finished my treatment and now more than ever I am determined to continue helping my community members where it is needed.
I would like to put on more events for people to enjoy and help them with any support they may need mentally, emotionally or physically.
There are so many people suffering with the ongoing crisis we are in. I want to help lessen the burden. I can’t do this alone so I am depending on kind-hearted people to help me.
Thank you for reading, Sammy.