GENTLE ACTIVITY PROJECT

Exercise benefits older people. It improves general health and — as just one example — helps to prevent falls. As we get older it’s important we stay as active as we can so we can stay as independent as possible.

The aim of the Gentle Activity Project is to help achieve this by running regular group sessions of gentle seated and standing exercises to music in the community or in sheltered accommodation.

Our team of volunteers is already running such group sessions in Bristol. RSVP West is working with Bristol City Council and the Bristol Primary Care Trust to extend our network of sessions.

By becoming a volunteer on the Project, you will:

• Receive free training on a nationally accredited training course.
• Learn the skills needed to lead sessions.
• Meet others and keep yourself active.
• Have fun and make a difference to other people’s lives.

We’re looking for volunteers now

Experience isn’t necessary. The training programme leads to a qualification from the Open College Network. Once qualified, we will support you in setting up and promoting your session and continue to offer support and advice.

There’s a lot more information in our GAP volunteering guide. (It’s in PDF format; if you haven’t got it already, you will need to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the guide or print it.)

You’re interested. So what next?

If you want more information, you can contact either:

• Jan Snook or Ken Dolbear, RSVP West, The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN.
  Telephone: 0117 922 4392 or 0117 925 0505.
  Email: RSVP Regional Office.
• Tina Ashley, Administration Officer, Sport Services, Culture and Leisure Services, Bristol City Council, Colston 33, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4UA.
  Telephone: 0177 922 3241.
  Email: sport@bristol.gov.uk.

To apply to join GAP as a volunteer, download our application form (PDF, 48 Kb). Fill it in, sign it, and post it to: RSVP West, GAP Project, The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN.

Once we receive your application form we will get back to you with details of what to do next.

© 2003–12 RSVP West. Page last updated on 14 April 2011.