Dundee’s voluntary champion Stella Carrington has issued a rallying call to encourage the people of Dundee to get involved in their communities before it’s too late.
Ms Carrington, who was awarded a British Empire Medal on Monday for her years of community work, is still a passionate community campaigner despite turning 80 next year.
The campaigning Charleston resident is a former Dundee Citizen of the Year and has carried out community work in her local area for decades.
Ms Carrington, the Charleston Tenants and Residents Association chairwoman, is proud of the work done by her committee, but is dismayed by what she sees as dwindling interest in participation in community pressure groups.
The British Empire Medal recipient is hoping to take a well-earned rest in the future, but fears if she does that there will be no one to fill her shoes.
Speaking ahead of the Charleston and Residents Association annual general meeting on October 11, Ms Carrington explained: “We need to see more people getting involved all over the city.
“At one stage there were 27 tenancy associations, but now there are just two and one is dying on the vine.
“I’ve been told that if I go then this committee will fold, which is a shame because we have done so much good work for the community and for Dundee.”
Ms Carrington feels community participation and helping achieve local aims to be a very rewarding experience.
The inspirational volunteer describes her years of voluntary work as “the best time of her life”.
“Speaking for those who do not have a voice” has inspired Ms Carrington and her fellow members to fight tooth and nail for their local area. She now hopes others who have a similar passion will make themselves known.
She said: “Working on the committee can be a hard slog, but seeing people’s smiling faces when you get things done is a great feeling.
“If people have an agenda they want to get across or have things to say then they need to get involved.
“I still feel like I have something to give, but we need more people to help.”
Charleston Tenants and Residents Association will meet on Tuesday October 11 at 7pm in Craigowan Sheltered Lounge.
Representatives from Dundee City Council will be present at the meeting.
