RBWM Innovation Fund Project

Project Updates

• Share Befriending and Older peoples social groups on Facebook Share Befriending and Older peoples social groups on Twitter Share Befriending and Older peoples social groups on Linkedin Email Befriending and Older peoples social groups link

  Befriending and Older peoples social groups

  by Age Concern Windsor, almost 3 years ago
  

  The original project was to run one to one telephone befriending as we found that a good number of people who had befriending during the pandemic were still looking for company. The group included people who were unable to get out or those who had very poor health. They really appreciated the call each week and didn’t want to stop as ti was still very difficult for them to go out.

  From a Befriendee: - “The befriending has been great I have made a real friend, we see each other most weeks for about an hour. We have such a... Continue reading

  The original project was to run one to one telephone befriending as we found that a good number of people who had befriending during the pandemic were still looking for company. The group included people who were unable to get out or those who had very poor health. They really appreciated the call each week and didn’t want to stop as ti was still very difficult for them to go out.

  From a Befriendee: - “The befriending has been great I have made a real friend, we see each other most weeks for about an hour. We have such a lot in common.”

  During the last year we have been looking at what groups are available in the area and have found that many of the groups that had been running are simply not any more. We have therefore be starting up groups at our Centre on Tuesdays with different activities. These are well attended and we have seen a reasonable number of people wanting more and different groups. We are therefore going to continue looking at what groups people would like and if we can start some more.
• Share Nature's Haven partners with the amazing volunteers at GoodGym on Facebook Share Nature's Haven partners with the amazing volunteers at GoodGym on Twitter Share Nature's Haven partners with the amazing volunteers at GoodGym on Linkedin Email Nature's Haven partners with the amazing volunteers at GoodGym link

  Nature's Haven partners with the amazing volunteers at GoodGym

  by Nature's Haven, almost 3 years ago

  On an expected stormy morning, which turned out to be muggy instead, four GoodGymmers made their way to help out Nature's Haven with setting up a community garden at the Youth & Community Centre.

  This is a wonderful group who are trying to build a sensory garden for the people who use the centre - youth and elderly alike. The plan for this morning was to create some raised planter beds.

  We started by carrying some wooden planks to the makeshift workshop (cycle racks) for some of the other volunteers to saw into the right size for building the planters.

  ... Continue reading

  On an expected stormy morning, which turned out to be muggy instead, four GoodGymmers made their way to help out Nature's Haven with setting up a community garden at the Youth & Community Centre.

  This is a wonderful group who are trying to build a sensory garden for the people who use the centre - youth and elderly alike. The plan for this morning was to create some raised planter beds.

  We started by carrying some wooden planks to the makeshift workshop (cycle racks) for some of the other volunteers to saw into the right size for building the planters.

  Amy and Diya started off handily with the power drill to screw in the first bits of the wood. Meanwhile, Nicola and I dug up the channels to put the base frame into for the first planter. Then we got our own hands on another power drill and started building planters as well. Diya took a little knock with a wood plank (you're supposed to knock on wood and not have the wood knock you Diya!) but that didn't stop her expertly from screwing the planks together!

  An hour and half into the task, the expected storm arrived. But we were not done yet, so we moved into the sports hall to continue the building work. Joined by councillor Jack, we made short work of it.

  With one planter set up and one ready to go when the weather improves, we said our good-byes to the group.

  This was such a brilliant task and the good news is that Nature's Haven will continue to need our support. Anyone interested to help can join them on their open volunteer sessions on Thursday evenings 5:30-7:30 pm or Saturday mornings 10am-12noon.

  
  

  Report written by GoodGym - Windsor and Maidenhead runner

  she/her
• Share Blokes Losing Timber has been a Long Walk on Facebook Share Blokes Losing Timber has been a Long Walk on Twitter Share Blokes Losing Timber has been a Long Walk on Linkedin Email Blokes Losing Timber has been a Long Walk link

  Blokes Losing Timber has been a Long Walk

  by JonDavey, almost 3 years ago
  

  (Video wouldn't add to this page for some reason... click here or on image above to watch me read out the report below... thank you.)

  When I saw the opportunity for funding for innovative ideas back in the spring of 2022 I just had to submit an application.

  I’d been working at Tescos since Covid impacted all our worlds and had been looking for a project to engage my creative energies. Looking in the mirror, I knew I needed to do something about my weight and I’m not alone ;)

  My original idea brought together healthy eating, expert support and... Continue reading

  (Video wouldn't add to this page for some reason... click here or on image above to watch me read out the report below... thank you.)

  When I saw the opportunity for funding for innovative ideas back in the spring of 2022 I just had to submit an application.

  I’d been working at Tescos since Covid impacted all our worlds and had been looking for a project to engage my creative energies. Looking in the mirror, I knew I needed to do something about my weight and I’m not alone ;)

  My original idea brought together healthy eating, expert support and regular meetups to help blokes lose some timber, BLT for short.

  I made the application on this basis and used a chunk of the funding on professional design. I am comfortable with wordpress and content creation, design requires specialist skills and so they were bought in and a logo and imagery created to lay professional foundations and we launched a website.

  In the summer of 2022 I organised 3 meetings, in 3 different locations based on venue, ease of parking, time of day and pushed out an invitation to attend via social media.

  Over 1000 views were had of my blog posts but while there was interest in finding out more and ladies suggesting it to their blokes, no-one turned up for any of the meetings!

  I stuck to it, I searched Google for local experts in health, fitness, diet, nutrition, etc and reached out to over 30 organisations and individuals locally… 3 stepped up to the plate.

  I did video interviews with a nutritionist, a gym owner and a mental health / fitness coach and posted them on the blog, sharing them via youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc

  I approached local restaurants about doing healthy eating options, the BLT meal deal. A few showed interest but wanted to know the level of membership and so this didn’t gain traction.

  Having run my own business in the past, I’ve learned it’s no good just ploughing on with what you believe is the right way forward if others don’t join you… so I took time to reflect.

  I brought it back to basics and focused on the walking. Walking groups had taken off in other areas and so I went with BLT Walk & Talk. Created 3 walking options, different days, locations, times in Windsor and launched it.

  Launching in June 2023 we’ve had attendance at all the walks, with 2 attendees on the last walk. 7 people have registered interest and this approach appears to have more legs

  On further reflection I have changed the name again, taking out the BLT aspect as this may prevent slimmer blokes from joining in.

  WIth other commitments coming my way I am now looking to promote this as a monthly walk on the first Thursday of the month, starting in August.

  We meet at The Two Brewers at 10am and walk to the Copper Horse and back. On our return we’ll enjoy a pint or a cup of tea, whatever is our preferred refreshment.

  We’ll walk & talk and from small acorns, we’ll see how this grows over the coming months.

  I hope to report that The Long Walk becomes a most popular monthly event for local blokes.

  Thank you.

  Jon
• Share in the past month, our close work with the health visitors led us to have an amazing moment meeting Princess of Wales. Our group is growing and we plan to welcome our first professional to talk to parents this month. on Facebook Share in the past month, our close work with the health visitors led us to have an amazing moment meeting Princess of Wales. Our group is growing and we plan to welcome our first professional to talk to parents this month. on Twitter Share in the past month, our close work with the health visitors led us to have an amazing moment meeting Princess of Wales. Our group is growing and we plan to welcome our first professional to talk to parents this month. on Linkedin Email in the past month, our close work with the health visitors led us to have an amazing moment meeting Princess of Wales. Our group is growing and we plan to welcome our first professional to talk to parents this month. link

  in the past month, our close work with the health visitors led us to have an amazing moment meeting Princess of Wales. Our group is growing and we plan to welcome our first professional to talk to parents this month.

  by MADOR, almost 3 years ago
  
• Share Wellbeing Walks for Local Residents on Facebook Share Wellbeing Walks for Local Residents on Twitter Share Wellbeing Walks for Local Residents on Linkedin Email Wellbeing Walks for Local Residents link

  Wellbeing Walks for Local Residents

  by Helen Park, almost 3 years ago

  Our next Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Leader Training is taking place on Tuesday 12^th September 2023.
  
  If you like walking, enjoy meeting new people and would be interested in leading a regular community walk for local residents, please get in touch.
  
  We would like to increase the number of walk leaders and walking opportunities available within our local community to support our residents and give everyone an opportunity to access FREE local walks to help improve their health and wellbeing.
  
  For further information, please contact Helen via helen@maidenheadunitedfc.org

  Our next Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Leader Training is taking place on Tuesday 12^th September 2023.
  
  If you like walking, enjoy meeting new people and would be interested in leading a regular community walk for local residents, please get in touch.
  
  We would like to increase the number of walk leaders and walking opportunities available within our local community to support our residents and give everyone an opportunity to access FREE local walks to help improve their health and wellbeing.
  
  For further information, please contact Helen via helen@maidenheadunitedfc.org
• Share Odd One Out Comedy Project on Facebook Share Odd One Out Comedy Project on Twitter Share Odd One Out Comedy Project on Linkedin Email Odd One Out Comedy Project link

  Odd One Out Comedy Project

  almost 3 years ago

  At Odd One Out we have engaged with young adults and sport enthusiasts to help tackle social isolation and loneliness.

  We have held Comedy Improv sessions in Kidwells Park and also have built a website to continue spreading the message about this on various social platforms. In addition, we started an Odd One Out Running Club and have had a genuine interest from those who are looking to balance out their calories with Summer Alcoholic Drinks.

  Our platform is to engage across Sport, Media and Comedy. We have also had interest from people outside of the Borough who would like... Continue reading

  At Odd One Out we have engaged with young adults and sport enthusiasts to help tackle social isolation and loneliness.

  We have held Comedy Improv sessions in Kidwells Park and also have built a website to continue spreading the message about this on various social platforms. In addition, we started an Odd One Out Running Club and have had a genuine interest from those who are looking to balance out their calories with Summer Alcoholic Drinks.

  Our platform is to engage across Sport, Media and Comedy. We have also had interest from people outside of the Borough who would like to discuss how they can get involved in Windsor and Maidenhead.

  More activities to come!

  Website: https://oddoneout.charity/
• Share The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club at the Woodlands Park Village Centre. on Facebook Share The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club at the Woodlands Park Village Centre. on Twitter Share The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club at the Woodlands Park Village Centre. on Linkedin Email The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club at the Woodlands Park Village Centre. link

  The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club at the Woodlands Park Village Centre.

  by The Jolly Codgers Lunch Club, almost 3 years ago
  

  Our members enjoying their 2-course dinner and afternoon out at the Jolly Codgers Lunch Club. The Club helps them to battle loneliness and build friendships in their local community.

  
  

  Our members enjoying their 2-course dinner and afternoon out at the Jolly Codgers Lunch Club. The Club helps them to battle loneliness and build friendships in their local community.

  
  
• Share Soup with Housing Solutions on Facebook Share Soup with Housing Solutions on Twitter Share Soup with Housing Solutions on Linkedin Email Soup with Housing Solutions link

  Soup with Housing Solutions

  by LornaHS, almost 3 years ago

  Over the 6 months our project ran we have been thrilled to see so many residents from across our schemes come together and share soup, chat and make friends. We have held 12 sessions overall, and will re-launch in September when the weather gets cold again!

  181 people came along over the sessions (which is made up of around 75 indivduals). We also had 2 lovely volunteers join us for all the sessions, helping not only make the soup but most importantly clear up afterwards. In total around 86 volunteer hours were given to the project. We also had an... Continue reading

  Over the 6 months our project ran we have been thrilled to see so many residents from across our schemes come together and share soup, chat and make friends. We have held 12 sessions overall, and will re-launch in September when the weather gets cold again!

  181 people came along over the sessions (which is made up of around 75 indivduals). We also had 2 lovely volunteers join us for all the sessions, helping not only make the soup but most importantly clear up afterwards. In total around 86 volunteer hours were given to the project. We also had an amazing group of around 10 more mobile residnets that came along to all of them and loved meeting new people.

  Some comments from our attendees...

  “I really enjoyed coming to the soup sessions as it was lovely to socialise with other people and have some company and also I really enjoyed the soup. I would really like this event to happen again as I really enjoyed it.”

  “I enjoyed the preparation of the soup. The soups were delicious, also being shown how to use the soup maker. It was nice to meet other people and have a chat”

  “Socialising with other people is key. The wellbeing information and education is important to me and the soups are delicious”

  “I think the soup sessions are really enjoyable. I love to sit around the table with others, chatting, chopping and preparing the veg (unless its onions). And then trying soups with a nice crusty roll.”
• Share Tai Chi for Better Health on Facebook Share Tai Chi for Better Health on Twitter Share Tai Chi for Better Health on Linkedin Email Tai Chi for Better Health link

  Tai Chi for Better Health

  by Tina, almost 3 years ago
  The classes continue to go well and positive feedback received which is very pleasing. New members still join from time to time which is lovely.

  We are learning a new ‘form’ Yi Jin Jing, aka Strenghthen Tendons and Muscles which seems to be well received. The ladies and gents are always very open to learning new moves which is very motivating for me.
  I endeavour to teach a new set every few months to keep the classes interesting.
  Numbers did drop a bit during the very hot weather but are picking up again.

  
  

  The classes continue to go well and positive feedback received which is very pleasing. New members still join from time to time which is lovely.

  We are learning a new ‘form’ Yi Jin Jing, aka Strenghthen Tendons and Muscles which seems to be well received. The ladies and gents are always very open to learning new moves which is very motivating for me.
  I endeavour to teach a new set every few months to keep the classes interesting.
  Numbers did drop a bit during the very hot weather but are picking up again.

  
  
• Share Eton Wick Monday Lunches Update on Facebook Share Eton Wick Monday Lunches Update on Twitter Share Eton Wick Monday Lunches Update on Linkedin Email Eton Wick Monday Lunches Update link

  Eton Wick Monday Lunches Update

  by La Stacey, almost 3 years ago

  We have just on Monday had our final lunch with the participants for the season. We usually cater for 10, but there were 12 there on this last day.

  This initiative has been very much appreciated by this group of older people, some of whom have difficulty walking any distance, so it was very handy for them to be able to meet together somewhere close by.

  We have found that since the summer season is now with us, it is more difficult to find enough volunteers to keep the lunches looked after.

  The aim will be to start again in... Continue reading

  We have just on Monday had our final lunch with the participants for the season. We usually cater for 10, but there were 12 there on this last day.

  This initiative has been very much appreciated by this group of older people, some of whom have difficulty walking any distance, so it was very handy for them to be able to meet together somewhere close by.

  We have found that since the summer season is now with us, it is more difficult to find enough volunteers to keep the lunches looked after.

  The aim will be to start again in the cooler months, as long as we have a venue where we can meet.

  It is hoped that the church room where we have been meeting will be rebuilt soon, though we still don't have a date for the work to start.

  Thank you again for all your support.