ON Saturday, September 16, at Chawleigh, The Amber Centre held “AmberFest”, an open day and celebration of the work that the charity does to help homeless and unemployed young people in crisis.

Amber was awarded a grant to run the event from Mid Devon District Council’s (Town and Parish) TAP fund – the aim of the event was to build community cohesion and increase the amount of volunteering within the local community and at Amber’s Ashley Court.

Kim, the Centre Manager at Ashley Court, said: “Volunteering is so important to our residents, it can help to raise aspirations, provide them with valuable work experience and it also allows us to give back to and support our local community.”

Around 80 people attended AmberFest despite heavy rain showers, hail and thunder!

The event had a positive and happy atmosphere and everyone was keen to learn more about the work of the charity, talk to current and former Amber residents, visit the stalls and take part in the various music workshops.

The event was supported by MIDI - Music In Devon Initiative and local musicians, who are working with Amber on a music project (funded by Youth Music) that will support residents to learn, make and create music.

There were performances throughout the day from “Samantics”, “Mazrah”, “YellaBellies”, “Jam Scones” and “Iller Instinct”.

Amber residents performed the first song that they have ever written together and one of the residents gave a really powerful talk on his experience of volunteering in Borneo with Raleigh International and how it has changed his outlook on life and his priorities.

AmberFest was also supported by Crediton Tesco, which ran a healthy eating stall and then kindly donated the produce to Amber, volunteers from Yorkshire Building Society, The Chulmleigh Bakery, who provided incredibly tasty pasties and Moorland First Aid.

Claire Miller from The Amber Foundation explained: “All-in-all is was a really fun event and the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

“Thank you to everyone who visited, supported, helped and donated. Your help and support is very appreciated.”

To find out more about Amber, to volunteer or donate please go to the website: www.amberweb.org or contact Claire Miller by emailing: [email protected] or telephone 01769 582020.

Alan Quick