We have over 50 volunteers who help facilitate our Wellbeing Walks, support the Active Lifestyles classes, guide our guests at our museums, keep our gardens looking wonderful and other important duties that make our community services possible.
In January we were lucky enough to be able to host a thank you event for over 30 of these volunteers to celebrate the wonderful work they do and give our heartfelt thank you, because many of these services would not be possible without their support.
Hosted by SCL CEO Steve Hassall and SCL Service Leads, the event was held at Ordsall Hall where our guests enjoyed lunch and an afternoon of getting to know each other and sharing their volunteering experiences.
Many of these volunteers spoke about how being a volunteer with Salford Community Leisure not only enriches the lives of those we deliver the services too but also their own lives, by providing them with the outlet to leave the house and socialise or giving them with a reason to keep active and exercise themselves.
Here are a few comments from some of the amazing volunteers we have:
Brian Gale, Volunteer Wellbeing Walk Leader
I help lead the SCL Kersal Wetlands, Wellbeing Walk every Wednesday. I got involved in volunteering as my wife and I decided to do the walks for a way to stay active. We really enjoyed them and then they asked if I’d like to become a volunteer and help lead the walk, as I was already a part of the Energise Centre that is based near the wetlands. I really enjoy my role as it gets us exercising, you meet some lovely people and have some very interesting chats. I also joined some of the other SCL Wellbeing Walks and they are a great way to get out and keep active.
On a Wednesday after the walk, we spend some time at the Energise Centre to have a hot drink and a chat which is another great way to keep us out of the house for longer and meet new friends.
Jean, Ordsall Hall Volunteer
I have been volunteering at the Hall for over 12 years. I visited a craft event that was on and while there I spoke to David, the Halls Development Manager, about the things I like to do and he asked if I’d like to volunteer for them and now I come at least twice a week.
I help out wherever they need me, greeting guests, helping set up displays. Anything they need help with really.
I really enjoy my time volunteering at the Hall. I have met a wonderful group of people through coming here who have become good friends and now we have regular meet ups and days out together. It also gives me a purpose to my week and a reason to leave the house and do something two days a week.
Sue Stubbs, Postural Stability Class Support and Volunteer Wellbeing Walk Leader
I help at the Active Lifestyles – Postural Stability class at Eccles and I also help lead the RHS Garden Bridgewater Wellbeing Walk on a Tuesday morning. I don’t like just staying at home doing nothing so volunteering gives me something to do with my days. I really enjoy it; you meet so many different people and it’s so lovely to chat to them and make new friends.
I have been helping on the Postural Stability class for over 5 years and even during lockdown I was able to help do the classes over Zoom. With these classes sometimes for the people that attend, it is the only time they really leave the house, so it is lovely to be there for them. We always stay and have brew and a chat afterwards and we celebrate people’s birthdays with a cake. I find volunteering a really fulfilling way to spend my time.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Salford Community Leisure, please email jo.bennett@scll.co.uk.
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