Staff from Barclays Wealth have been helping local charity The Children’s Centre as part of its ‘Make a Difference’ initiative.
In addition to the regular volunteering activities which Barclays Wealth staff undertake each year, in November there is a special focus period called ‘Make a Difference Day’, which unites the Barclays satff across the world in supporting local charities.
A team of 12 volunteers from Barclays Wealth spent their Sunday painting a number of rooms in the Douglas Family Centre.
Paint left over from the event will be used over the coming weeks to paint the remainder of the rooms.
The Family Centre is part of the Isle of Man Children’s Centre, which develops, manages and pioneers a variety of community initiatives and services aimed at enabling children, young people and families to realise their full potential.
The specific objectives of the Family Centre are to provide an informal setting for parents to meet each other and gain mutual support, advice and friendship. The painting of the Douglas Family Centre has provided a more modern and fresh setting in which families can meet.
Rebecca McCauley, Development Manager for the charity, said, "The redecoration and refurbishment in Douglas Family Centre has helped us to brighten up the space and provide cheerful rooms which are an inspiring and fun environment for our families with younger children to spend time in.
"We are very grateful to Barclays Wealth for their ongoing support of The Children’s Centre.
"The Family Centres work with families and their children in location across the Island based in Douglas, Ballasalla, Ramsey and Peel.
"Having young children can sometimes make you feel very isolated if you don’t have any support, and that is why our Family Centres put the needs of all families first and can offer support and advice through practical parenting workshops like ‘Action Songs and Rhymes’ – a fun and interactive session for parents and their children to enjoy."
Ian Pilley (pictured), Head of Operational Change, said, "I am delighted that so many members of staff gave up their free time to help out local charities for our ‘Make a Difference’ initiative.
"The projects which have been completed by the team are jobs which regular volunteers and staff members of the organisations just do not have the time or resources to carry out. I am pleased that Barclays Wealth have been able to assist these worthwhile causes and hope that the volunteers have really helped to make a difference."