Volunteers make Doreen’s 89th birthday extra special

Volunteers at the Folkestone community hub make Doreen’s 89th birthday extra special by delivering a surprise birthday treat for the local resident on Thursday by organising her cakes and serenading her with a birthday song.

Folkestone resident Doreen Dawson called her local hub last week to ask for help with her shopping. During this call, volunteer Olivia Ensor-Page discovered that Doreen’s birthday was approaching and she quickly got together with fellow volunteers to organise a treat.

On Thursday, Olivia surprised Doreen by calling round with birthday cakes and scones made by the team at Anna’s Tea Room, while volunteers from the Folkestone community hub sang happy birthday to her over the phone.

Doreen, a retired church secretary, is self-isolating so isn’t able to get out and about said: “I just couldn’t believe it! It was such a surprise and I’m so thrilled – I’ve never had anything like it.

“I can’t go out myself and my family all live in Middlesex so can’t visit; to have the support of the community hub and the council is invaluable. They’re doing a great job and I’m thrilled with my lovely birthday cakes and scones.”

Olivia (22) usually works behind the bar at Three Hills Sports Park but is now volunteering to help her local community during this challenging time. She said:  “I’m usually answering phones and replying to emails at the hub but it’s my day off today so I decided to surprise Doreen instead.

“When Doreen mentioned last week that it was her birthday, I thought that I could come down to see her and do something nice for her. Folkestone and the rest of the community have really pulled together since people have had to self-isolate.”

Community hubs in Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney, all funded by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, have been supporting residents requiring assistance since restrictions on movements were put in place by Government.

Hundreds of local volunteers are supporting the community hubs by answering phones, picking up shopping and delivering prescription medication to vulnerable residents.

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said: “The community spirit of our volunteers goes to show what an extraordinary district we have, full of remarkable people willing to help their community in any way they can”

“Olivia and her fellow volunteers at the Folkestone community hub have given Doreen a birthday to remember. I am grateful for the many Folkestone & Hythe District Council staff and volunteers who are supporting these community hubs that we are funding – they are doing the council and the district proud”

“No one in our district need feel as though they are going through this challenging period on their own. If you need assistance and don’t have a local support network – please do get in touch. We’re all in this together, so let’s look after one another.”

The council has set up a dedicated community hub page at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community-hubs. Here you can sign up to be a Community Hub volunteer and also request assistance from the Community Hub if you are a vulnerable person without a local support network.

Your local hubs are open from 9am – 4pm. These cannot be visited but can be contacted on:

• Hythe Community Support Hub – run by AGE UK.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01303 269602

• Folkestone Community Support Hub – run by Three Hills Sports Centre supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01303 316186

• Romney Marsh Community Support Hub – run by Romney Marsh Day Centre.

Contact them on: [email protected] or 01797 208590

The council has set up a helpline 01303 761116 (open from 9am to 5pm every day) and an email [email protected] for COVID-19 queries. Residents and businesses can find out about help and assistance available to them both locally and get signposted to national support. Residents can also feedback helpful information or concerns about their community or individuals.

For the latest on COVID-19 related matters locally please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus

To reach F&HDC about non-COVID-19 issues go online at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or call 01303 853000 as usual. The council’s Civic Centre is closed to visitors.

You are able to keep up to date with our articles, news and publications by following us on our social media channels below: