Call for volunteers as programme becomes victim of its success

A rallying call has been made for volunteers in Angus after a health programme became a victim of its own success.

The Angus Activity Programme is the lead organisation of a joint initiative with Angus Alive and the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a longterm condition and their carers through increased access to physical activity.

Since its inception in 2004 it has facilitated exercise classes suitable for a range of abilities in sports centres across Angus.

Participants access the programme via referral from health practitioners and rehabilitation services or selfreferral is an option.

In addition, funding was obtained to enable the recruitment of volunteers to provide seated exercise classes in group situations or on a oneto-one basis for people who are housebound.

Volunteers attend a one day training course to obtain appropriate skills to deliver seated activity.

There are currently 46 registered volunteers but the programme has become so popular it now has more referrals than volunteers can cope with.

A spokesman said: “We need to recruit more volunteers who are willing to give up approximately two hours a week to take a class or to help someone who is unable to access a group class.

“All the necessary equipment will be provided. This is a very worthwhile volunteering role and helps people to be active and keep well.”

Anyone interested should contact Karen Fletcher on 01307 474894.