The Royal Voluntary Service aims to inspire and enable people to give the gift of voluntary service to meet the needs of the day in their communities. They believe that volunteers’ service makes them, and Britain, healthier and happier. The Royal Voluntary Service, supported by their volunteeres, offer a variety of free services within Forth Valley to support our local community:
The service aims to reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness, help improve mood/confidence, and increase feelings of wellbeing. There are no living arrangement or age-based criteria, although they do not support children. The calls are made by volunteers, with details such as the time, frequency, and duration of these agreed between the volunteer and client – although experiences to date suggest calls tend to be weekly, and approximately 30 minutes long. The service is free and there is no limit to how long clients can continue to receive the service.
The Virtual Village Hall is a popular free online activity hub and community, designed by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun. There is a wide range of sessions to take part in, including: creative arts and crafts; exercise and dance; technology skills; needlework and textiles; gardening and the outdoors; and much more.
All sessions are live-streamed daily on the Virtual Village Hall Facebook page (linked for your convenience). Sessions are led by expert tutors and some well-known faces, and require very little space or equipment. As followers can take part in activities in real time or view on-demand via the Royal Voluntary Service website or Virtual Village Hall YouTube channel, there is something available to access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free to take part and a Facebook profile is not required.
Open to people within the Falkirk / Forth valley area that have been recently discharged from hospital (within the last 4 weeks of discharge), their ‘Supporting Your Recovery‘ service matches a client (aged 55 and over) with a fully PVG checked and trained volunteer. This service allows the creation of a tailored recovery plan which could include but is not limited to: reconnecting to the local community with new or existing hobbies and activities, seated exercises at home, or assisted walks to aid confidence.
For further information, please email stirlingsyr@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk OR falkirksyr@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk – or visit the Royal Voluntary Service website.
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