For more than ten years, Paul, a Great Places customer from Primrose Bank, has been at the heart of the Primrose Centre. Since becoming a volunteer in 2015, Paul has supported the centre every single day – opening up first thing in the morning, setting up and clearing away for groups, keeping the building clean and safe, and even staying late after private events to make sure everything is ready for the next booking.
The centre hosts a huge range of activities, from health sessions and training to community meals, crafts and celebrations, and Paul plays a key role in making sure it all runs smoothly.
A couple of years ago, Paul also helped welcome Roland, who was introduced to the centre by Oldham Council’s Social Prescribing Team. Initially quiet and lacking confidence, Roland found friendship, support and purpose through volunteering alongside Paul. From gardening to fixing things and even building a potting table together, the pair became a familiar sight, and Roland has since grown in confidence, made new friends and become a valued volunteer in his own right.
Alongside his volunteering, Paul has also contributed to Great Places through meetings, forums, and training as a tenant inspector, and he now serves as a trustee on the Primrose Bank Community Association board.
Paul’s dedication, kindness and commitment to his community are truly inspiring. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he does – he really is a superstar.
