On 12th May members of Positive Horizons, an activity group whose members support each other to improve their mental wellbeing, are undertaking an exciting new venture. They are joining with the ‘Buddies Befriending’ group based in the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, by inviting them to a meal and entertainment provided by some of their members. Positive Horizons is an open group for all adults that meets every Saturday in Dean Bank Institute, Ferryhill and for the last 11 years has organised activities and mutual support for its members, all of whom are interested in improving their mental health and making new friends.
Activities include, courses, trips, holidays, parties, sport, fishing, gardening etc. It has no paid workers but it is run by a committee of members, assisted by volunteers registered and supported by Stonham (part of Home Group). They receive no statutory funding but raise money themselves by their own contributions and fund-raising with occasional small grants through the County Durham Community Foundation and last year from Ferryhill Town Council. The group, ‘Buddies Befriending’ is a newer group, based at the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, funded locally by GAMP (Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership) and overseen by Sheila Pinkney. It aims to combat isolation and loneliness in older people and offers flexible, short term support. This can include help with shopping, attending social activities or simply taking the time to listen over a cup of tea. It also organises regular coach outings.
Over 200 people have benefitted from the project in the last 2 years. After a presentation to the Positive Horizon group some members decided it would be a great idea for them to provide the venue and a meal for the Buddies Befriending Group at cost price, which would not only bring the groups together, but would give a chance for the Positive Horizons members to practice the lessons learnt in their recent ‘Food Hygiene’ and ‘Healthy Eating’ Courses. In addition they have arranged to entertain them with fun chair exercises to old-time music before the meal and a short poetry reading after the meal provided by two of the members. Positive Horizons is very excited by this new development and both groups hope it will lead to more joint activities in the future. Contacts: Positive Horizons – Carolyn Stephenson 07732 780 386 (volunteer) saturdaypositivehorizons@gmail.com Buddies Befriending – Sheila Pinkney 01325 329 933 sheila.pinkney@pcp.uk.net
