|
|
|
The Welcome Project
As people get older and especially if they
have not exercised for a while, it can be a bit daunting to
use a leisure centre. Sometimes people who are slightly
older have the feeling that only if they are young and have
a supermodel body will they “fit in” in such centres. This
is not the case but is the reason why “The Welcome
Project” is looking to help and support those that might
feel slightly uncomfortable using leisure centre facilities.
“The Welcome Project” is a programme involving
Volunteer Centre Bury St Edmunds, Volunteer Centre Forest
Heath, Suffolk Volunteering Federation,
and Suffolk County Council. Initially participating leisure
centres will be Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre and
Newmarket Leisure Centre.
“The Welcome Project” volunteers will re-introduce
older people to a health and fitness lifestyle in a
welcoming, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Why do we
need this health and fitness lifestyle? Well it has been
proved that physical activity improves peoples’ physical
health and mental health at all ages.
There will be the opportunity to try
different fitness activities but the emphasis will be on
swimming because “swimming does it all!”
Swimming provides constant movement which keeps the heart
rate raised and the pressure and resistance of the water
makes your body work that little bit harder. Swimming works
your whole body for all over toning!
Water is an ideal exercise for people with mobility
problems, such as with some forms of arthritis or for those
who want to exercise without straining their joints, because
it is low impact and you’re supported by your natural
buoyancy in the water
Being in the pool has great psychological benefits too as
the feeling of being in the water can be refreshing,
relaxing and liberating.
Swimming benefits everyone no matter what their fitness or
physical ability.
“The Welcome Project” is now seeking volunteers
(known as mentors) who would be prepared to provide help and
support in the form of a friendly face plus information
about activities. Training will be available and currently
we are looking for volunteers aged 50+ to help with this
project.
If you are interested in taking part in the project or in
becoming a mentor,
contact Jane at
jane@thevoluntarynetwork.co.uk
/ 01638 608048,
or Sandra at
vol-coordinator@volunteercentre.co.uk
/ 01284 766126
to receive full
information about this volunteering role.
|
