Trying archery for the first time
OLDER people in Pwllheli tried their hand at archery for the first time at Glasfryn Parc Activity Centre.
Qualified instructors from the centre led two free archery workshops as part of First Time for Everything, a programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential to give older people in Anglesey and Gwynedd (and across the UK) an opportunity to try something new for free in their local community.
Staying active and social have been proven to be important to keeping fit and well in older age.
Participants learnt how to hold an archery bow and how to shoot arrows towards targets.
Research by Royal Voluntary Service last year found that two thirds (65%) of people aged 60 and over wanted to try a new activity, but three in ten (29%) felt there weren’t enough local opportunities to do so.
Keen to address this, the charity joined forces with Prudential to launch the First Time for Everything programme.
Since the programme’s launch in 2017, and thanks to the support of 980 volunteers, more than 450 Prudential First Time for Everything events have taken place across the UK.
More than 5,000 older people to date have gone along to try a wide range of new activities, from yoga, paddle boarding and IT skills to British Sign Language, treetop trekking and pottery.
According to a recent feedback survey by Royal Voluntary Service, 94% of participants responding said they felt happier after attending an event and 79% felt more connected to their local community.
Lora Morgan, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Anglesey and Gwynedd, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many local people enjoying our First Time for Everything activities.
“It’s never too late to try something for the first time.”
Elizabeth Stevenson, from Pwllheli, attended one of the Prudential First Time for Everything archery workshops.
She said: “It was a great opportunity for me to try archery.
“This scheme gives you a chance to try different things that you might not have had the confidence to do before and I really look forward to seeing what I can try next for the first time.”
Jillian Lobban, Director of Regulatory and Legacy Projects at Prudential, said: “The First Time for Everything programme has had a significant impact in the communities where it’s already run.
“We want to help create experiences that enhance the lives of older people and at the same time help address the epidemic of loneliness in the UK, particularly amongst the elderly.”
The next First Time for Everything event in Gwynedd will be Batik on February 20 at CARN, Caernarfon at 10.30am.
Royal Voluntary Service relies on support from local volunteers to help run First Time for Everything events and other social activities and is looking for more volunteers to join its friendly, dedicated team.
Lora Morgan says: “For anyone with a few hours to spare, volunteering is a great way to get involved in the local community.
“Our volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people – many are aged 60 and over – and they really enjoy the buzz they get from helping others.”
For more information about Prudential First Time for Everything activities and other services for older people in Anglesey & Gwynedd and to find out more about local volunteering opportunities, contact Royal Voluntary Service on 07825 503046, email lora.morgan@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.