This week in our Spotlight on Volunteers campaign, we're shedding some light on the work done by the East Cambridgeshire Helping Hands Gardening Scheme.

The Scheme is managed by the Ely and District Volunteer Centre and the Community Voluntary Sector organisation for East Cambridgeshire. 

The group, who are made up entirely of volunteers, have recently taken on a new project called Dementia Friendly East Cambs.

The aim of the project is to enable those living with dementia to continue to live in their homes, where they know their garden is being looked after and cared for by volunteers.

The project also hopes to assist any volunteers who would like to keep working while living with dementia.

The Helping Hands Gardening Scheme volunteers will be joining 11 other East Cambridgeshire agencies in a consortium during the project.

The work carried out by the Helping Hands Gardening Scheme varies from a quick once a week tidy, to a complete garden makeover.

The volunteers assist disadvantaged people in East Cambridgeshire from all walks of life.

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The Ely & District Volunteer Centre and Community Voluntary Sector organisation also run The Ely Social Car Scheme.

The scheme aims to help disadvantaged people with their journeys, whether that be to a hospital appointment, to go and do their weekly shop, or for an appointment at the hairdressers.

The Helping Hands Gardening Scheme has also recently been awarded £3,148 per annum for the next three years, as part of the Healthier Futures Fund from the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

Anyone who is interested in either becoming a volunteer gardener or would like more information about the gardening scheme can contact Adrian Houghton on 01353 66656, or email: gardening@vcaec.org.uk

Any volunteer organisations who would like to be featured in our Spotlight on Volunteers campaign can also get in touch at: francesca.herring@newsquest.co.uk