A Spalding police inspector who spent a week with a charity has praised its “amazing” volunteers.
Inspector Gareth Boxall chose Spalding’s Lighthouse charity as his placement. Newly posted inspectors must spend time volunteering with a charity. Insp. Boxall said it’s good for two reasons. “It’s a chance for us as individuals to experience and helps Lincolnshire Police putting something back in the community.”
During his week with The Lighthouse Project, which is part of Lighthouse Church, Insp. Boxall experienced volunteer work at the charity’s various projects. These include women’s refuge homes, the charity shop in Sheep Market, a charity furniture shop at Broadgate House and the Agape Care food bank at Lighthouse Church on Haverfield Road.
Insp. Boxall said he chose the charity as it was somewhere “poignant to South Holland and in the Spalding area.”
While working at the furniture shop, Insp. Boxall helped deliver and pick up donated and sold furniture.
Insp. Boxall said he found the experience rewarding and enjoyed meeting service users. “I met all the people that are in the various houses that the charity’s got,” he said.
“The houses all cater for different things, one is a mother and baby house where new mothers live together. It was good to speak to them,” Insp. Boxall added.
On Saturday night, Insp. Boxall hit the town – as part of the street pastor group who help revellers in need. “They’re really modern day good Samaritans,” he said.
By the end of the week, Insp. Boxall was impressed with the efforts of those who help others. “It’s amazing to see how many people are involved and doing good work within our community.” he said.
