Kayaking for health
More info at: https://sportingfamilychange.co.uk/
Sporting Family Change applied to the Community Fund for money to purchase two double kayaks and buoyancy aids, so they could safely take the residents they worked with out on the Bristol Avon, encouraging people to connect with nature and build their confidence. Sporting Family Change wrote the following about the fund and how it helped them to encourage local people to experience the outdoors:
Thank you so much for the funding enabling us to purchase the kayaks and life vests. You have made such a difference locally, enabling us to expand the activities we can offer and encourage more local people outdoors to exercise and experience the beauty of the local waterways.
Case study: Shirley, local Bath resident
One of the residents they supported is Shirley, who lives on her in Southdown, Bath and is in her mid-70s. She is a remarkable lady and a breast cancer survivor. She contacted Sporting Family Change via our website during the coronavirus lockdown as she was keen to be more active, despite having to stay at home. She has no family locally, so was extremely isolated. Shirley is very positive and wants to live life to the full. Initially we went for local walks, as we could be socially distanced but still give Shirley the social contact and emotional support she needed. As time went on and Shirley felt more comfortable with us, she became more adventurous with the activities she wanted to try. Once lockdowns lifted, as well as walking, we took her ice-skating which she loved and for day trips further afield. Shirley expressed an interest in kayaking, so we took her to the River Avon for a kayaking session. She thought it was so much fun and loved the freedom of being on the water. We have since taken her again and will continue to do so while the weather is still good.
Shirley commented “I must admit I always look forward to seeing the SFC vehicle turn up and take me out as it makes me feel good, knowing they are there for me no matter what. I really enjoy the variety of activities too, especially not quite knowing what we’ll do each time. My fitness has definitely improved and I have more of a zest for life now. I’m so thankful for your support.”