Group of over 55s enjoy afternoon of mindful drawing at Duffus Village Hall

A GROUP over 55s enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of mindful drawing at Duffus Village Hall.

The free Zentangle event was part of the Royal Voluntary Service First Time for Everything programme, designed to support physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything gives people the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community.

Local artist, Dawn Cawthra, introduced the practice of Zentangle. Participants created artwork while enjoying an afternoon of good company, creativity, chat and refreshments.

Norma McPherson, from Hopeman, enjoyed the event. She said: “I arrived quite stressed with all that’s going on in my life.

"That relaxing two hours and doodling and quiet chats with other ladies was just so calming.

"I came home a different person and learned another craft. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours.”

The First Time for Everything programme launched in 2017. Since then, thanks to support from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, more than 700 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain.

More than 10,000 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 per cent of respondents said they felt happier after attending a First Time for Everything event and 80 per cent felt more connected to their local community.

Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Moray, said: “It was a really lovely afternoon and so relaxing.

"The two hours just flew by and nobody wanted to leave. Our tutor, Dawn, had such a talent with colour and pattern, and was inspiring, encouraging and very generous with her knowledge.

"We have more First Time for Everything sessions planned for local people to enjoy, and are extremely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support.”

For more information about First Time for Everything events in Moray, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, on 07974 415713 or by emailing sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering, or to donate visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/donate.