Morays over 55's take part in free festive craft afternoon
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A GROUP of over 55s from Moray got in the festive spirit last week making handmade tree decorations at a fun, free craft afternoon at Duffus Village Hall.
The free seasonal craft afternoon was part of First Time for Everything, a programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service to support physical and mental health and wellbeing. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything gives people, particularly those that are older or less mobile, the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community, and to be social and active.
Participants made tree decorations featuring cheery macrame gonks. Gonks are small, bearded figures with long knitted hats, often found in Scandinavian homes at Christmas. Moray's First Time for Everything activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, led the session, and hot drinks and mince pies were available afterwards.
Pat Bray from Hopeman attended the free First Time for Everything festive craft afternoon. She said “I had a wonderful afternoon catching up with old friends and making new ones. First Time for Everything is such a great idea for folk to learn new things and perhaps to just relax with friends and forget about what might be going on in their lives for a couple of hours.“
The First Time for Everything programme launched in 2017. Since then, and thanks to support from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, more than 920 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain.
More than 13,320 people have come along to date to try new activities like hot yoga, group singing, open water swimming, forage walking, chocolate making and line dancing. According to a recent participant survey, 97% of respondents said they felt happier after attending a First Time for Everything event and 93% felt more connected to their local community.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Whatever our age, ability or circumstances, getting out and about, being active and feeling part of our local community are incredibly important for our health and wellbeing. With generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything brings local people together to have fun, meet new people and enjoy trying something new.”
Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Moray, added: “We have lots more sessions planned for local people to enjoy next year, and are grateful for the continued support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who make these events possible. They mean so much to the people taking part.”
For more information about First Time for Everything activities in Moray, contact Sharon Finlay, by phone on: 07974 415713 or email: sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.
To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering/
