Congratulations to all volunteers and graduates from the Step Up Into Care course! Today we had a graduation ceremony and handed out certificates and awards to those who had completed their course and excelled.

Starting Monday 7th June 2021, the Cedarwood Trust will undergo a radical new renovation to transform the main area of the centre to make way for our dedicated Nurture Academy and Nourish Store spaces with improved seating for dining.

​​Our community membership store has been created to bridge the gap between standard supermarkets and food banks to offer a successful, quality shopping experience via a weekly membership system. It supports those on low incomes to reduce food costs, allowing people to better manage their other expenses as well tackling the environmental impact the food industry has on the planet with surplus food waste.

The Nurture Academy provides an opportunity for members of the community to gain much-needed experience and employ-ability skills knowledge. Each student is offered a real working environment placement to gain real time experience and an interview to provide feedback and reference, which is aimed to kick-start a students ambition to enter the catering and hospitality sector.  A dedicated space will allow students to learn while and support the community with meals.

Take one last look at the centre below, before the work is completed!

On Friday, members of the Nurture, Nourish, Thrive - Step Up Into Care team and students were treated to a mystery road trip to York for the day! There was rain, shopping, squirrels, good food and good times!

The Cedarwood Trust is looking to recruit 4 enthusiastic and committed individuals to support our successful and thriving food distribution hub here at the centre. We have saved 14 tonnes of food destined to landfill in less than a year, and supported 100s of individuals and families in need over the Coronavirus Pandemic with food packs, 1000s of meals a month as well as support and more. We also work alongside several other charities and organizations to increase the support given to those in need here in the Meadowell and across the whole of North Tyneside.

This role will require heavy lifting, organization of stock, good communication skills and the opportunity to support the Nourish Membership scheme when it begins this year. We welcome applications from anyone interested in the role even if you may not be able to do all listed, we may be able to support you in a more suitable volunteering role.

What you will gain

• Teamwork: you’ll work as part of a team of volunteers ensuring our food distribution process runs smoothly, taking part in a variety of tasks to achieve this
• Relationship building: you’ll be building lasting relationships with staff, volunteers, centre users and other charities too
• Time management: you will be required to keep organised and work to time frames
• Accomplishment: the work you will help achieve will make a huge difference to those in need

What to expect from Cedarwood

• Ongoing support and advice from Nourish Lead and team
• Expenses, including mileage covered in line with our volunteer policy.
• Impressive skills to add to your CV and a reference if/when you need it.
• The opportunity to make a difference within our thriving charity to help those in need

What is expected

• Enthusiasm!
• Follow all Cedarwood Trust policies and procedures – including all guidance surrounding Covid-19 Health and Safety, Manual Handling and more
• Follow all training you receive when registering with us.
• Supporting Cedarwood to fulfil its aim of saving surplus food, supporting those in need and working together for our community

If needed for driving: (Not essential for role)

• A full, valid UK driving licence
• A road-worthy vehicle with up-to-date road tax and MOT certificate when required
• Fully comprehensive car insurance.
• Read and agreed to Volunteer Drivers Policy.

 
Time commitment
We are looking for someone able to commit to one day a week, around 2 to 4 hours. We are flexible and if you can do more too then great! We are looking for someone able to commit to this so we in turn can offer training, support and more to support you too.

If you'd like to inquire about this role, please get in touch! You can call FREE on 0330 094 8454 or email Maddie, via ​madeleine@cedarwoodtrust.com.

We made a limited selection of Easter Bonnets available to the community to create their own marvellous creations, and here they are!

Entries for the Lemon Drizzle Cake bake off below:

Entries for the Yorkshire Pudding bake off below:

Entries for the pizza bake off below:

Entries for the pineapple upside down cake bake off below:

Entries for the lasagne bake off below:

Entries for the Shepherd's Pie bake off below:

The Cedarwood Trust was featured on BBC Look North to discuss how the pandemic has affected the region and what we're doing to help those who need it and support the community during this difficult time.