The free activity was part of First Time for Everything, a community programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service to support physical and mental health and well-being. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything gives people, particularly those who are older or less mobile, the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community and to be social and active.
In the session, the 29 attendees were taught how to play this fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
The First Time for Everything programme was launched in 2017. Since then, and with support from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers, over 1,000 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain. More than 15,200 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: “Being active, getting out and about and feeling part of the local community are important for health and wellbeing, no matter what our age, ability or circumstances. With generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, ‘First Time for Everything' brings local people together to try something new, to meet new people and have fun.”
Participant Chris from Manchester said: “Thank you to Karen for organising this brilliant game at Abraham Moss not only did I learn something new I met a lady who has lived 5 mins away from my home and have never met her before today although we have lived in that same area for 40+ years so we have both now organised a group to carry on doing the fantastic pickleball So thank you once again for organising”
Karen Kennedy, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Manchester, said: “Thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we have all sorts of exciting First Time for Everything activities for local people to try this year. Participants tell us how much they enjoy trying something new and chatting with new people at these events – they do make a difference to people’s lives.”
To register for a place at First Time for Everything events or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator Karen Kennedy on 077954 50563 or email karen.kennedy@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk. Booking for all events is essential as places are limited.
For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities in person, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall. The Virtual Village Hall is a free, online activity hub and community that helps people stay physically and mentally active, socially connected and having fun. It helps people to better manage their health, including long-term health conditions. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Virtual Village Hall offers live online activity sessions every weekday on Facebook and YouTube, from exercise and dance, yoga and meditation to crafts, interesting speakers, creative writing and cooking. There’s an extensive archive on YouTube, to, with more than 3,000 free activity sessions to try. It is free to join, and anyone can take part with no sign-in or subscription required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source. To find and take part in the Virtual Village Hall, search @VirtualVillageHall.
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, with volunteers supporting the NHS, adult social care and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity delivers the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme for NHS England, enabled by the GoodSAM app, with volunteers responding to over 2.7 million requests for help to support approximately 200,000 people. The charity also works in local communities, running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport.
To find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering
To donate to support the charity’s work, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/donate
Follow Royal Voluntary Service on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @RoyalVolService.