Issued on behalf of Give a Day to Kendal
Communities across Kendal are coming together next week for the “Give a Day to Kendal” initiative, taking place from 1st–7th June 2026.
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. 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.
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. The pilot project has taken almost six months of planning and partnership-working.
The opening two days, 1st and 2nd June, 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 5th June, 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
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.”
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 unfortunately could not proceed this year: refurbishment work at the pavilion on Millennium Fields. 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.
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.
We want to show our appreciation the following organisations who will be volunteering their staff and who have supported us 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.
For more information about Give a Day to Kendal, or to get involved in future projects, follow the Churches Together in Cumbria Facebook page and partner organisations throughout the week or visit www.ctic.uk.