Communities are coming together for Give a Day to Kendal, to support projects across the town.

Initiative takes place from Monday, June 1, to June 7, with business, charities and sports clubs coming together.

The idea behind the week was simple, members of the public suggested community projects that could benefit from teams of volunteers giving a few hours of their time.

Churches Together in Cumbria, which has taken the lead in organising the initiative, has been supported by Cumbria CVS, Kendal Town Council and Westmorland and Furness Council.

Jonny Gios, who is leading Give a Day to Kendal, said: “Give a Day to Kendal is about people from all walks of life coming together to make a positive difference in our community.

“Whether it’s cleaning up shared spaces, supporting local charities or improving facilities used by many people, every volunteer plays an important role.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone giving their time this year.”

The pilot project has taken almost six months of planning and partnership-working.

The initiative coincides with National Volunteers’ Week, encouraging people to get involved locally while also recognising the many volunteers who already dedicate countless hours to supporting others across our communities.

The week-long programme will see volunteers from businesses, community organisations, third sector groups and individuals working together on practical projects that will make a visible and lasting difference across the town.

The opening two days, June 1 and 2, will focus on improving four of Kendal’s most-used town yards.

Overseen by Kendal Business Improvement District, teams of volunteers will carry out clean-up work, painting, tidying and environmental improvements to help make these shared spaces more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

Later in the week, on Friday, June 5, volunteer teams will support two further community projects:

• Refurbishment work at Netherfield Cricket Club
• Replacement of a polytunnel at the mental health charity Growing Well

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are taking part, demonstrating the strong community spirit that continues to thrive across Kendal.

The completion of these projects will benefit the many shoppers and visitors coming into the town centre, young people and adults using Netherfield Cricket Club and those who attend Growing Well.

One nominated project, refurbishment work at the pavilion on Millennium Fields, could not be undertaken.

The building, which has historically provided changing facilities and toilets for the hundreds of young people using the football pitches each week, has suffered significant criminal damage in recent years and is currently unusable due to the extent of the deterioration.

Jonny Gios added: “We’re now appealing to businesses and potential funders who may be willing to support the restoration of the pavilion for the long-term benefit of the community.”

The event also wanted to show their appreciation to the following organisations who will be volunteering their staff and who have supported the initiative so far: Westmorland and Furness Council, South Lakes Housing, Mr Alex Scott the Lord Lieutenant, The Well, CITB, Furness Building Society, Genesis Homes, FMB and ID Verde.