- Course prepares volunteers to work with older people
- Part of World Jungle’s ‘Full of Life’ project
- Range of activities and events in Cam and Dursley
- Older people must feel ‘valued’ says Commissioner
A free training course is being offered to those who want to make a difference to the lives of older people in Cam and Dursley.
Organised by local organisation World Jungle, the 6-hour course will run over three Wednesday mornings from 18th November, at Dursley Library.
Fiona Campbell will be leading the training, which teaches volunteers how to help older people maintain their independence in later life and stay active in their community. She said,
“This is a really helpful course both for people already volunteering and those who are considering taking on a role.
“Working with older people can be hugely rewarding and is a way to make a real difference in the community and to the lives of individuals within it.
“Volunteering is a way to actively participate in social and community life. It allows you to explore your interests, use and develop your skills, and make a positive contribution to the happiness and wellbeing of others.”
The course is part of World Jungle’s ongoing ‘Full of Life’ project, which is supported by funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner Martin Surl and the Summerfield Charitable Trust. ‘Full of Life’ promotes health and wellbeing for older people in the local area, whilst working to combat issues of loneliness and isolation.
Mr Surl said,
“Ensuring older people remain a valued and active part of the community is one of my priorities as commissioner.
“Too often older people become isolated and miss out on the interaction and activity that is vital to leading a full and healthy life.
“That’s why I support the work of World Jungle, whose impressive range of creative activities and projects engage and involve the older generation, along with the entire community.”
A recent report by Friends of the Elderly revealed that 35% of older people in Gloucestershire are affected by loneliness. On a national scale, Age UK found that 2.9 million older people feel they have no one to turn to for help and support.
World Jungle Director Ben Ward said,
“The Full of Life’ project has included running large community events in Dursley aimed at bringing people together and taking activities out to those living in sheltered housing units.
“A directory of services and timetable of other local groups running activities for the over 50’s has also been put together. These include regular dance, music, arts, fitness, education and craft groups, a men’s shed and memory café.”
For more information or to reserve a place on the volunteer training course, please contact Fiona Campbell at World Jungle on 01453 548880 or visit www.worldjungle.org.uk
