A grade two listed structure in Happy Valley is currently undergoing an exciting restoration with the help of Peer Mentoring Volunteers and Conwy County Borough Council. The friends of Happy Valley and volunteers from the CAIS Peer Mentoring Scheme began work to transform the neglected benches in late July. Staff and volunteers from the Peer Mentoring Scheme regularly organise a variety of volunteering days across North Wales.
The Scheme supports individuals with a history of substance misuse as well as carers of those with substance misuse issues. Kim Ferguson, event co-ordinator for the Scheme explains
“we have really enjoyed volunteering with the friends of Happy Valley and we can’t wait to see the benches finished. It’s going to make such a difference to the appearance of the colonnades”
Gerry Carol from the Friends of Happy Valley hopes eventually that the colonnades can be used as a site for Sunday Markets “
A quality craft market would be a real asset to Llandudno for local and visitor alike”
Conwy County Borough Council Parks Department kindly facilitated the restoration of the benches with some materials being donated by Richard Williams, Builders Merchants, Llandudno Junction. Conwy’s Parks Manager, Peter Barton-Price, said:
“We’re looking forward to completing this worthwhile venture with CAIS and we hope to build on this experience and carry out more projects together in the future, across the county borough.”
Since the Peer Mentoring Scheme began in late 2009 Peer Mentors have helped 341
people gain a qualification, 246 people enter further learning and 282 people enter employment! 1676 of the schemes participants have also achieved a positive outcome, such as volunteering since receiving support from a Peer Mentor.
This year across North Wales the scheme has organised 25 community volunteering sessions which have ranged from litter picks, recycling days, painting sessions and gardening mornings. During August the volunteers will be returning to happy valley to continue restoring the benches as well as helping with various litter picks, gardening based activates and painting projects . To
find out more about the Peer Mentoring Scheme and it’s volunteering projects please call 01492 523 040.
– Kim Ferguson