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Swindon Circles appeal for volunteers to befriend an older person
Do you have some spare time to offer to a Swindon senior? There are more than170 older residents who don’t require high level care but have become
housebound and isolated for different reasons and need social support to give them confidence to stay in touch with their community.
Swindon Circles offers volunteers and Barring Service check and two “It’s a breath of fresh air for Mum to sponge cake so I made him one.”
the opportunity to befriend an older references. Training is also available have someone new to talk to each If you would like to find out more
person and spend a little bit of time where necessary, and expenses within week. Loneliness is the worst thing about volunteering contact Paula
with them on a regular basis to lend a reasonable limits are reimbursed.” for elderly people and even though I Harrison on 01793 466418 or mail:
helping hand. Explaining the scheme Stasi Fox, 96, from Freshbrook come in to see her everyday it’s nice [email protected]
West Swindon community facilitator has Alzheimer’s disease and vascular that she can get out with a friend. It’s Lunch outing
Gail Light said: “Swindon Circles is dementia. She has been enjoying visits taken a lot of pressure off me.” Toothill Lunch Club serves a two
all about making a difference to older from her volunteer and has been out Sudoku buff Sylvia Merrick, 83, course meal followed by tea or coffee
people in the town. Based on similar to Lydiard Park, Butterfly World and also from Freshbrook, has taken up for £3.20 every Wednesday, 12 noon,
interests we match volunteers with Wootton Bassett. Commenting on baking again since she started receiv- at Toothill Community Centre.
older people who currently receive a her experience she said: “We go out ing visits from her volunteer. She said: Transport is available for anybody
small amount of social care support, every week and it’s very pleasant. We “He helps me with my shopping at unable to walk or drive to the club.
and the idea is to help the person get always have a cup of tea and a laugh.” Asda and takes me to my acupuncture Book a place by midday on Tuesday
out and about and regain a social life. Stasi’s daughter Caroline is full of appointments. We got talking about by calling 07944 134915.
“Every volunteer has a Disclosure praise for the circles scheme. She said:
Are you looking to make positive
changes in your life?

I can offer you a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space
where you can:
• gain a deeper understanding of yourself and be able to
cope with everyday situations
• make sense of relationships and situations
• manage feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, anger
or confusion
Elaine Watt Focused Counselling
BACP accredited counsellor
Tel: 07919 343407
to make an appointment for a no fee consultation
Stasi Fox and 3 year old great grandson Jack www.focusedcounselling.com
HIGH ACHIEVEMENT, HIGH STANDARDS

Year 6 Open Evening for students and parents
Thursday 25 September 2014
6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

www.novahreodacademy.org.uk 01793 528800 Akers Way, Swindon, SN2 2NQ
swindonlink.com • September 2014 13

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