This year, Jackki celebrates 60 years of Asda. She is our Asda Champion inside Bodmin Magistrates’ Court. This year, she’s not only celebrating Asda’s 60th Anniversary, but also 20 years of CASS+. So, it’s a double-whammy and Jackki is celebrating in style.
Jackki celebrates 60 years of ASDA
Asda is making a huge difference across the UK. For the last 10 years, each large Asda store has had its own Community Champion.
We are fortunate to have our very own ASDA Champion, Jackki, who has volunteered at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court since 2017. And yes, she is brilliant at it. When someone arrives at the court, they are at their wits end. Jackki knows how to help people facing debt, housing problems, bereavement, and substance use, to name but a few issues.
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
It all started back in 2017 when CASS+ won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Jackki met the team when they popped into their local Asda to ask for some free paper plates! And now, Jackki has something new to celebrate – 60 years of Asda:
New challenge
I was looking for a challenge. I wanted a voluntary role that involved direct contact with the people who need me the most. I decided to volunteer because I knew I could help people overcome fear of the unknown. For this reason, I’m dedicated to this work inside Bodmin Magistrates’ Court.
Courts are not full of nasty people
Each case is fresh and new.
Courts are not full of nasty people. Basically, it’s just ordinary people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.
I also work at the local food bank. As a result, I can share about the work of CASS+ with the people I meet there. I like to go home in the knowledge that I’ve accomplished something. On top of this, I’ve made some great friends.
Learning so much
I’m learning so much every day. In particular, I’ve learnt to never assume anything. Plus, don’t put people into boxes. It’s easy to judge. You can be so very wrong about what has led them into crime.
People need help and not punishment
People need help and not punishment. This volunteering has given me a different perspective on life. For example, there are so many forms to fill in. For some, this is a real hindrance because a lot of people who can’t read and write in Cornwall.
Drinking and driving
Of course, people shouldn’t be drinking and driving. However, they need help for the reason behind the crime. Recently, we’ve referred people for counselling or bereavement support. For example, we helped a gentleman who had been disqualified for drink driving. His Dad had just died in his arms. No, he shouldn’t have been drinking and driving, but he needed help badly. We got him to bereavement counselling.
Mental health
Mental health is the biggest issue here in Bodmin. When someone is socially isolated, they don’t know how to get help and they can end up homeless. This is what happened to one of our clients this year. As a result of our support, he now has specialist 24-hour care.
Volunteering is good for the soul
You just need good common sense to volunteer here at Bodmin Magistrate’s Court. I love making all those connections here in Cornwall.
Volunteering is good for soul.
Interested in volunteering?
We are so thankful to Jackki for all her hard work and help. She has been the backbone to our success in Bodmin. We will be forever thankful, as are all the other organisations she supports on her doorstep.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact admin@cassplus.org to join our friendly team.