A York primary school will see part of its school field turned into community gardens and allotments as a result of the Big Community Challenge, being launched this week by York Cares.

The employee-volunteering charity needs 100 volunteers to take part in the challenge which takes place at Westfield Primary School in Acomb on 4, 5 and 6 October.

Launched in 2006, York Cares is a partnership of York’s leading employers – including The Press – which matches volunteers to community projects where they can have the most impact, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

Mrs Tracey Ralph, head teacher at Westfield Primary School says: “Our School Council found out that there is a waiting list for allotments in our community, and some of our own children do not have gardens at home, so we are very excited about Westfield School’s new Community Garden. It is hoped that the gardens will enable our children and their families to grow their own with help from the BTCV Get Growing team”

Under the expert guidance of Miller Construction, the volunteers from local businesses and schools will work together to create 15 plots, install a water pipe and tap, chop back hedging, create pathways and raised beds.

Jacqui Tesselment, from York Cares says, “We are so grateful to the Miller team for leading this project on behalf of York Cares but we need the help of local businesses and their people to help– we can’t do it without you!”

John Lister Chairman of York Cares and Finance Director of Aviva Life adds: “We have every confidence that the people of York will pull together and meet this challenge. Businesses who encourage their staff to donate just three hours of their time are not only helping to improve their local community, they are also helping their team to learn new skills such as team building, problem solving, confidence building, and leadership skills. The community benefits by gaining a new resource, employees benefit by learning new skills and businesses benefit from a motivated workforce – it’s a real win-win-win situation.”

To volunteer contact York Cares on 01904 323482 or email info@yorkcares.co.uk.

A £1.6 million potential budget deficit has built up in the Councils Social Services operations as Councillors dither over the need for reforms.
Much of the deficit is the result of larger numbers of elderly people requiring care while those opting to manage their own budgets has also continude to increase. Direct payments to the later group exceed budget by £613,000. It is a system where the individual can specify who they wish to use to meet their care needs. Most are opting for the private sector.
One way of offsetting this demand – which simply reflects the fact that we have an aging population in the City – was to reform the so called reablement service. These are care workers who teach people with minor disabilities how to continue to be self sufficient in their own homes. It is a successful service but one that is very expensive and with a long waiting list. Tenders for the provision of the service in the future should have been received by now but the new council is delaying action.
Reform of Elderly Persons Homes and other care services are also behind schedule.
In Children’s Services, the number of children in the care of the Council is also above predicted levels with 175 foster home placements having been made.
If the Council doesn’t act decisively on these issues then it will find that it faces a financial mountain which it is unable to climb.