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 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.
There were 18 participants at the event, which involved them using leaves and natural materials to create impressions or cut out leaf shapes for their plaques and tiles.
The tutor, Liz said: “Everyone was very focused. They had to really think about what they were doing, particularly when applying the glaze. This is so good for mindfulness and wellbeing. The group were very inventive and produced an impressive quality of work”
The First Time for Everything programme 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.”
One of the participants, Kim, said: "It was great fun, I haven't done anything like this since I was a child"
Rachel Rich, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for St Leonards, 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.”
There will be a Guided Beach Walk and Rockpooling on 10:30 June 3rd with drinks on the beach afterwards. To register for a place at any First Time for Everything events or for more information, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator Rachel Rich on 07918 377510 or email rachel.rich@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, too 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/
Follow Royal Voluntary Service on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @RoyalVolService.