CHRIS Mitchell has volunteered at TADS since 2014, and is a key part of the organisation’s excellent service.
The organisation which supports young people who struggle with anxiety, depression and stress, moved premises earlier this year, as they expanded from one room in The Core, Barnsley to a much larger building on Queens Road.
Chris has been central to the process, as the building required a number of internal repairs. He offered to carry out all the repairs off his own back, in order to make sure it complied with safety regulations, and was fit to welcome the public.
In January, the organisation was also informed that it required a health and safety officer. Without funding for one, Chris stepped up, paid for his own training in his spare time, and gained the qualifications required to fulfil the role.
Chris, 58, of Scholars Gate, Cudworth, said; “My wife, Karen started TADS from scratch. Initially, I wasn’t heavily involved, they just needed someone to move things around. So I moved some furniture for them, and ended up looking on some free sites for some equipment for them.”
“When they moved premises, I don’t think they quite realised how much work was required, particularly in getting the new building up to scratch. The site had been left empty for a long time so a lot of things needed doing. For example, all of the locks were mixed up and keys needed to be matched up. I was spending a lot of my time after work and on weekends trying to sort the whole place out.”
“The qualifications I already had weren’t really relevant to what TADS needed when they were trying to get a health and safety officer. So I took a an IOSH health and safety course as well as a diploma in premises management
Thomas Brennan, a trustee at TADS said: “Since moving in January, Chris has compiled a health and safety plan, a fire risk assessment, done the decorating, and made repairs to the building so that it is safe for us to invite children. Chris attends TADS almost every night after work to do repairs, fit carpets, and we have much more work for him to do before the building will be completed.”
“He is a valued member of staff (volunteer) and our team are so lucky to have him around to support with any problem that arises. We are so grateful that he undertakes all these duties without complaint and with a smile.”
