As a long-term supporter of Thames Hospice Care, I was delighted to be asked to attend the opening of the new homestore in Windsor to meet the staff and volunteers involved.

 

People donate unwanted furniture, which is then collected and sold through the homestore to raise funds for the care of those with terminal illnesses.  At a time when the Government is working hard to get the economy back on track and tough spending decisions must be made, it is reassuring to meet those who give their time and energy to help others less fortunate than themselves.  Volunteers play such a vital role in local communities and we should never forget the contribution they make.

 

This is a sentiment which I know is shared by local Councillors and I am immensely proud of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s latest initiative to encourage volunteers to take up local roles.  Recently, they have invited interested organisations and local businesses to an open day to help develop a scheme in which local people can earn "time credits" for supporting others in the community.

 

The aim is to bring interested organisations together to explore the practicalities of how the scheme can be taken forward and implemented.  It is possible that a social enterprise might get support from the Royal Borough.

 

Known as the ‘CareBank scheme’, it is another fantastic example of how the Royal Borough is working hard to improve the lives of local residents. 

 

I took the family along to visit the homestore in a private capacity a few days ago. We had fun looking around and bought some great items in excellent condition.  I wish them well and hope that the Royal Borough will continue to do all they can to support a vibrant local enterprise in Windsor. We are lucky to have such an active local Councillors and such generous residents.