Volunteers Sandra, Ashley and Derek with Steve Pound MP

The work of scores of volunteers who serve their neighbourhood through a church-based community project was celebrated as part of National Volunteering Week.

Ealing North MP Steve Pound, ward councillor Bassam Mahfouz and the entire Northolt West End Safer Neighbourhoods police team joined volunteers for supper at the Dovetail Centre, which is the community project run by St Joseph the Worker Parish Church.

Over a typical year 80 people, ranging from teenagers to pensioners in their late 80s are actively involved in volunteering at the Dovetail Centre, ranging from carer and toddler groups, youth drop-ins and summer activity weeks to after-school clubs, community lunches, intergenerational mentoring and administrative support.

Volunteers were treated to supper served by project workers Sue Church and Chris Hill and project chair the Revd Simon Winn and during the evening were presented with certificates for their service by local MP Steve Pound.

Dovetail community project worker Sue Church said:

“National Volunteering week was the perfect opportunity to thank our volunteers in a tangible way because we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”

Steve Pound MP congratulated volunteers and staff and said:

“I so admire what you all do through the Dovetail Centre for everyone in this community, irrespective of race, religion or background. You offer such a huge amount, all on limited resources.”

Now into its 10th year, the Dovetail project is a grassroots organisation, run by local people for local people, and the doors are open 50 hours a week. It has almost outgrown its premises and the management committee are now looking to renew the building and broker new partnerships with existing funders and groups seeking to bring new opportunities and renewed hope to the community of Northolt West End.