Queensferry Churches’ Care in the Community was Monday’s spotlight visit for walkers leading The Big Walk, an initiative journeying across the UK to shine a light on fantastic communities and projects that make great things happen.
An idea from the Eden Project made possible by the National Lottery, The Big Walk is designed to celebrate the people at the heart of the UK’s communities, who work together to make a positive difference locally. It was launched live on BBC’s The One Show on 16 May.
The walkers arrived at the Haven centre, having already been to visit community projects in Morecambe, Penrith, Carlisle, Gretna, Lockerbie, Larkhall, Easterhouse, Glasgow, Lenzie, Stirling, Alloa, Labert, Linlithgow, Craigshill and Leith.
The day-care centre is open for breakfast and this is usually followed by an activity such as music or exercise. It is the only day-care provider for older people in rural northwest Edinburgh.
The walkers had breakfast with the dementia group and the opportunity to meet the participants and some of the volunteers, including two of its younger volunteers, Luke and Jonathan (both aged 15) – students at Queensferry High School who volunteered at the centre as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award, but enjoyed it so much they now come regularly.
Luke (15), said: “It’s good to come and help people, keep them entertained and hear their stories. We help out with things like IT, but also with the games and activities – we keep score for the dominoes. There’s such a range of people that come, it’s great to talk to everyone.”
Carol Findlay, Fundraising and PR Coordinator said: “We have about 60 volunteers of all ages. In fact, we have the childminding group that comes once a month, so you could say our youngest volunteers are about 18 months!
“For younger people it’s a chance to hear some stories and interact with different people, as well as learn employability skills. For older people it really helps to alleviate social isolation and provides a chance for interaction between different generations. It feels like a family, like you’re at home.”
Leading the Scotland team, Angus McLeod, 52, has been overwhelmed by the support of people and projects along the route. Angus said: “It means the world to be welcomed into the heart of these communities, connecting them as we go.
“It was a great experience to visit the centre, and meet the group as well as the volunteers and staff. I met one lady who has part of the group who had worked at the Haven centre herself years before. It just shows you how important these places are for the local community.”
After visiting the centre staff, volunteers and helpers (and two dogs – Toby and Oban) walked out with the group across the old Forth road bridge.
Angus is one of eight walkers, in four teams travelling to the four corners of the UK, helping to spread the word about The Big Lunch, the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours on 3 June. The Big Lunch was launched back in 2009 with the simple premise that great things happen when you bring people together.
Peter Stewart of The Big Lunch says: “The Big Walk celebrates the great things people make happen where they live. The Big Lunch is a chance for people everywhere to build those friendships and connections locally, which help to create stronger, happier communities.
“Last year 9.3 million people had fun together at over 96,000 events across the UK – so give our walkers a smile and a wave, and sign up to bring your own community together for a Big Lunch on 3 June.”
Anyone can take part! Order a free pack and join millions of others across the UK for The Big Lunch on 3 June www.thebiglunch.com
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