Activities on offer

ith social distancing W measures in place, finding ways to interact with people has never been more important. To give you a helping hand, the Royal Voluntary Service has created Virtual Village Hall – a new online community hub running a daily programme of themed activities designed to bring people together and help beat the boredom of isolation.

“During this challenging time when we can’t get out and about, it’s vital for our health and wellbeing that we find ways to keep our brains working and our bodies moving,” says Felicity Kendal CBE, Royal Voluntary Service ambassador. ”The Virtual Village Hall is a great way to enjoy the things we like doing and to learn some new ones, too.“

We love the idea of virtual village halls as it’s a great way to stay connected and feel part of a local community - with a nationwide array of activities to try.

Activities have been designed specifically for people to do at home and require very little space or equipment, but you will need the following…

■ A computer, tablet or smartphone device with integrated speakers

■ An internet connection

■ A little curiosity and willingness to try something new!

There’s something for everyone! From cooking and baking sessions, to arts and crafts, to gentle dance routines and Zumba – all run by expert tutors, co-ordinators and volunteers. You might even recognise some faces, including Juliet Uzor, winner of The Great British Sewing Bee 2019 and Irini Tzortzoglou, the 2019 Masterchef winner.

GETTING STARTED

■ Website: www.royal voluntaryservice.org.uk

■ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ groups/VirtualVillageHall

How does it all work?

All live sessions are streamed on the Virtual Village Hall Facebook

Live channel, seven days a week. This is an open group, so you don’t need a Facebook account to view. But we do recommend setting one up if you want to ask questions or interact with users. Should you miss a live session – don’t worry! Both pre-recorded and on-demand sessions are available via the Virtual Village Hall YouTube channel and the Royal

Voluntary Service website.

■ If you have a Facebook account, or plan to get one, don’t forget to join the Yours FitMind50 group

– a friendly space where we share success and inspiration, congratulate and support one another in our achievements.

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