This week, June 3rd - June 9th is Volunteers Week 2024. A week to say thank you and appreciate the impact that our volunteers have within SASP and on the residents of Somerset.
Jenny, SASP's Volunteer Co-ordinator, recently spoke to one of the Move More Together volunteers, Gail. She was paired up with Angela via the programme and they have been meeting since November, meeting most weeks.
Move More Together is a programme designed to encourage inactive adults over 50 to get moving again through the support of a volunteer who can motivate, guide and of course, provide some friendly conversation!
Gail has been updating Jenny on Angela's progress ever since and talks about what their regular meet up's involve,
"The first visit to Victoria Park took Angela back to her childhood. Her grandparents' home backed onto the park and her school holidays were spent with them. The cafe, pharmacy, closed surgery now a health unit, the community centre - she knew none of them existed.
Angela has attended the community lunch club, as well as a C.O.P.D. group and wants to see about a referral to a pre-diabetic group at the community centre. She loved it all.
The Engine Room in the High Street, I introduced her to this venue. It was closed at the time, but I was hiring a screen, so we were able to enter. In time Angela will attend to have help downloading 8mm cine film and slides with photos at some time. These will go to memory sticks or direct to her laptop - a new skill to learn.
All I have introduced her too she has enjoyed and been amazed by what is in Bridgwater. She has blossomed and truly enjoys our time out; it is time to now try and get her to join and enjoy a group!
We walk at each other's pace; Angela now walks without so much pain she told me this morning and feels so much better being more agile and able-bodied."
Move More Together has many wonderful stories like these, would you like to be a part of a story as special as this one? There are plenty of participants waiting to be matched up with a volunteer, contact us today to see if you can be a part of someone's journey to moving more and exploring their community.