Annual Report 2022-2023 by ActivLives

Who are we……. ActivLives is an independent charity working with individuals and communities, of all ages, but with a particular focus on people 55 plus who live-in hard-pressed areas in Ipswich and across Suffolk. The organisation provides a wide range of services and programmes that help people Connect; Be Active; Take Notice, Learn and Give (5 Ways to Well-being) including ActivGardens, ActivSports, ActivSinging, Specialist activity – Lunch Clubs, ActivFriends Hub for people living with Dementia & their Carers, Elderflower Carers Hub, Men’s Breakfast Hub and Step by Step (falls prevention) Programme. All our sessions provide preventative services to support people and keep people active, healthy and connected.

Our Core Values…… We deliver the mission as a team, underpinning our work with a set of agreed core values. These define ActivLives and are as follows: Honest & Open – Creating trust through taking responsibility, acting ethically and encouraging open debate Community Focused – Supporting and empowering people to make positive changes to their own lives and the lives of others in their community Professional & Accountability - Delivering quality, effective, safe and reliable services to our members, partners, the community and stakeholders Respect and Value – Developing a committed and caring organisation that supports the personal development of volunteers, staff and members, promotes team working and working with partners and key stakeholders Innovative – Developing services that help reduce health inequalities, enable people to improve their health & well-being, and that are accessible and beneficial

Our Registered Office Brightspace 160 Hadleigh Rd Ipswich Suffolk IP2 0HH Tel: 01473 345350 Charity Registration Number: 1147615 Company Registration Number: 7672809

Introduction and reports from the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer Message from the Chair of Trustees Hello Everyone, What a busy year we have had at ActivLives, it has been a year packed full of activity and exciting developments. Over this last year, we have been able to operate with more normality than the last few years and this has allowed us to add to our services in order to reach more people within our local communities. This has included adding sessions such as the Men’s Breakfast Hub, ActivHearts Ladies Hub and offering more locations for our Step-by-Step Programme and New Age Kurling groups. Thank you to our members for continuing to access all that ActivLives has to offer and thank you to our hard-working staff and loyal volunteers for ensuring that these sessions are engaging and fun and keep you all coming back! A big hello to our newer members – we are glad to have you with us. Over the last year, the board of Trustees has continued to focus on ensuring the sustainability of ActivLives and looking at how we can maintain our position in an ever-changing environment and ensure we are staffed and resourced for future growth and development. We have taken time to review our workforce strategy and make short and longer-term plans for expanding our workforce capacity to ensure the future sustainability of the organisation. This has included identifying any further skills and capacity we need to add to our staffing structures and trustee board in order to continue to fulfil our organisational objectives; this includes skills such as income generation, PR and Marketing, Fundraising and Operation Management. We have also taken time to look into our processes and those we can tweak to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as our banking processes, data collection tools, updating our policies and implementing new office software. Over the next year, we will continue with the implementation of our workforce plan and fulfilling the organisations strategy that we updated and shared with you last year. In this last year we have said goodbye to some of our wonderful trustees who supported the organisation during the pandemic, helping to navigate the changing environment and provide help and support to our staff, this included longstanding trustees Michele James and Charlotte Bate and both Glenn Yates and Paul Bruce – thank you to each and everyone one of you for your time, skill and expertise! We have recently welcomed three new trustees to ActivLives – Kerry Overton, Clare Lucas and Louise Kenlock – welcome on board! I want to finish by saying thank you once again to everyone that helps make ActivLives what it is to so many people each day and ask you to join with me in celebrating all that everyone has achieved and all that ActivLives means to so many! Many Thanks Rachael Scott - Chair of Trustees

Chief Officers Report This year’s Annual Report and AGM highlight the benefits that people can achieve from participating in all sorts of community activities and ActivLives certainly delivers a wide range, from our Community Gardens, specialist Hubs, Lunch Club, singing groups, inclusive sport to our fall’s prevention sessions. At the beginning of the year, although we felt that we were through the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, our members, volunteers and staff were still feeling and seeing the impact of the previous two years. Slowly, slowly we started to return to the ‘new norm’ and our members and volunteers started to return and new referrals started to trickle in. This was also a year of building new partnerships with organisations, such as, Everyone Active who run Stowmarket Leisure Centre. The Manager, Anslem Gurney, was very supportive of the ActivAble Project and worked with us to establish the new Boccia session in their centre. This project was funded by another partner Active Suffolk and their Sport England Together Fund. We have also been working with the Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), to develop a new partnership project, supporting older adults with severe mental health needs, to access and participate in a range of community activities. This has led to us now working with NSFT on a new 1-year project called ‘ActivCommunities’, developing the model to enable us to reach and support more people across Central and East Suffolk. In July 2022, Councillor Mary Rudd, East Coast District Council and Cabinet member for Health & Communities visited ActivLives to spend some time with our members, volunteers and staff. She visited both Community Gardens in Ipswich, an exercise session, the lunch club and ActivSinging Ipswich group and was very impressed with all of them. She said, “When I spoke to the members, they all agreed it was really great for them to see other people and have a chat, as lockdown had left several of them very lonely. At the singing group, it was quite unbelievable how they all seemed to come to life when they were singing. Sometimes, it is the small things, which make a huge difference.” In February 2023 Councillor Nadia Cenci surprised both myself and Susannah Robirosa with a County Councillor Award. Nadia thanked us for our hard-work and commitment to community development, inspiring others and making a real difference to people’s lives, through the work of ActivLives. We were very grateful and honoured to receive this award and for the recognition for all our hard-work in developing ActivLives and ActivGardens over the last 17 years. In the same month we also celebrated Pauline Harris’s 100th Birthday at the St Mary at Stoke Lunch Club. Pauline was overwhelmed with her presents and special birthday lunch. Pauline has attended both the Better Balance session and Lunch Club for many years and couldn’t miss her exercise session before her birthday celebrations. She is an inspiration to all of us. Funding is a challenge for most Charities and ActivLives is no exception. Although, we generate some income, we rely on donations and grants, to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver the wide range of ActivLives services and projects each year. These activities help improve people’s physical, mental and emotional health and well-being; improve people’s quality of life; reduce loneliness and social isolation and give people confidence, skills and opportunities, and in some cases finding employment. Each year we need to raise over £400,000 and so again, I must thank Susannah Robirosa, Cynthia Glinos and Alison Pearson for their hard work and determination in helping me to raise the amazing sum of over £252,000, towards the 2022- 2023 budget. This involves, writing funding applications and letters, looking at ways to generate income, linking with the Corporate and Business Sector, local Borough, District and County Councils and Councillors and working closely 4

with our health and social care colleagues to try and secure local, regional and national funding for ActivLives. Other members of staff and volunteers generate income in different ways, for example by delivering our activities to other organisations, Care Homes, local groups etc and selling produce / plants and our lovely honey. All of which, help to promote and publicise our services, improve access, develop skills and engage more people in fun and social activity. I thank these staff and volunteers as well. A big thank you goes out to our funders, supporters, members and their families who generously donate and invest in ActivLives, and help us support over 1500 people each year, these include, Suffolk Community Foundation, the National Lottery and Suffolk Family Carers for their on-going support, £617 from Manny Mantel’s memorial concert; £666 from Waitrose (Ipswich); £700 from ASDA Foundation (online green token voting); £500 from Waitrose (Sudbury); £200 from the family of a Friday Friends member; £1500 from Murphy-Neumann Charity Company Ltd; £500 from Perrywood (additional donation and fundraising), £1500 from Pennington (property lettings and sales company) and Thompson and Morgan for their donation of plants and seeds. I would also like to thank the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust (NWIBLT) and the loyal and dedicated team of volunteers for supporting Friday Friends Dementia Cafe over the last 5 years. This Hub was established in partnership with the NWIBLT, to provide stimulating and social activity for people living with Dementia and their Carers in North West Ipswich, as well as, giving advice and information and providing a hot two course meal cooked by the lovely Pat Prior and her team of volunteers. The Hub is now moving into a new phase of development and from April 2023 the Hub will be funded by Ipswich Borough Council’s Cash Grants and will be re-launched as ‘ActivFriends’, welcoming people from across Ipswich and surrounding villages. During the year we welcomed Jemma Prentice and Laura Lopez to the Step-by-Step Programme and Frazier Seager to the new ActivAgeing Project. We had to say goodbye to Haidee Stevens, Project Co-ordinator in Sudbury and Ralph Kinsey, ActivSheds Co-ordinator at ActivSheds, but welcomed John Bettinson to the ActivGardens team, leading the sessions at ActivSheds on a Thursday and Friday. We wish them every success in their future ventures or adventures. We also welcomed GB Paralympic Boccia Player Evie Edwards to the ActivLives team, working with Mike McCarthy, ActivSport Development Officer, to establish the new ActivAble – Boccia Group in Stowmarket. Each year has its challenges, but I am very lucky to have such a positive and supportive team around me. So, thank you to all the staff, freelance staff, volunteers and Trustees for your dedication, enthusiasm, passion and commitment to ActivLives and as ever, not forgetting the main office team Cynthia, Ben and Jean. Our action plan for this year is to: x

Continue to work with partners, funders and Corporate Business to develop our Strategy and Business Plan, to ensure that ActivLives can continue to expand and provide value for money and high-quality services to people living in Ipswich and across Suffolk.

Secure funding, commissions and to generate income, to ensure the organisation becomes sustainable, is financially sound and we are able to sustain the 6-month reserves required by the Charity Commission.

Continue to develop our preventative and inclusive services to reach and engage more people to help them improve their health and well-being, reduce loneliness and social isolation, remain independent and build stronger more resilient communities

Julie Stokes Chief Executive Officer

Office, Finance and Administration Team – Cynthia Glinos - Finance & Office Manager, Jean White - Office Volunteer and Ben Willmott – Marketing & Communications Officer.

Where are our Hubs

x x

Felixstowe Leisure Centre, Seafront, IP11 2AE. ActivKurling Group - Monday 11:30am -1pm Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket IP14 1LH. Inclusive Boccia – Thursday 1:30pm – 3pm

ActivFriends Dementia Hub This year has seen some changes at Friday Friends Dementia Café. Five years ago, we were approached by the North West Ipswich Big Local Trust (NWIBLT) to see if we would work in partnership with them to establish a Dementia Café for people living in NW Ipswich, including Whitehouse, Whitton and Castle Hill. Knowing the issues that people living with Dementia and their Carers face, we happily agreed and so over the last five years, with the help of a local and dedicated team of volunteers and enthusiastic and experienced staff, Friday Friends Dementia Café opened its doors, at the Whitehouse Baptist Church.

Alison Pearson Engagement Officer & Specialist Hub Facilitator

We would like to thank the NWIBLT for funding the Café, so that we could provide a fun filled, safe environment, with plenty of socialising, entertainment, delicious home cooked meals and support for Carers. We have been able to help many people living with Dementia and their Carers over those five years and we would like to thank NWIBLT for giving us the opportunity and funding, to enable us to establish this much needed service. In January 2023, we were successful in securing a grant from Ipswich Borough Council, which enabled us to review our service and launched a new service called ‘ActivFriends’, which is now open to people living with Dementia or any long-term health condition and their Carers across Ipswich. Caring for someone 24/7 can be very isolating and demanding, so Hubs like ActivFriends is a lifeline, not only for the Carers and cared for, but the families, friends and neighbours who are also involved in caring and supporting people in the community. Carers Story “ActivFriends is a godsend, a weekly get together which is full of fun and laughter. Nothing is too much trouble for Alison and the volunteers, and Pat’s lunches are really delicious. My husband enjoys the singing and music and I have time to chat to other ladies who are caring for their husbands as well. We both really look forward to Fridays now. If I need any help or advice Alison is always ready to listen and help. We love coming here.”

We have had a busy year at the Hub, making up for the time we lost with Covid-19 and the lockdowns. Communication and conversation form a large part of the session and there is always lots of laughter as well. We engage in lots of different activities involving singing, movement to music, indoor bowls, musical performers, craftwork, reminiscence, seated dance and much more. ActivFriends has a core of 6 dedicated volunteers, who come along, and help make the magic happen on a Friday. The volunteers are the lifeblood of ActivFriends and what they do is priceless. Just to say thank you doesn’t feel big enough, for the dedication, love and care that they all give to our members. So, a huge and massive thank you to all our hard-working volunteers, Pat, Bob, Sandra, Barbara, Gloria and Jackie and also, Betty, who was with us for many years before retiring. 8

Because we are a small, intimate group, this enables us the time to engage and listen to our members and their carer’s, so we can support any issues relating to health, money worries or personal life issues, even outside of the Friday sessions. Our members continually tell us how important this Hub is and what a difference attending has made to them and their families. They really look forward to coming on a Friday and the staff and volunteers really look forward to seeing them. The benefits of the ActivFriends Service: x x x x x x x x x

Carer Support Advice and Information Stimulating & fun activity for all Reminiscence and music Movement & inclusive sport activity Friendship in and outside of the activity Improving people’s emotional health and well-being Reducing social isolation and loneliness Building stronger resilient communities

Carers Story “My mum really enjoys coming and loves the singing and dancing and all the different activities that they have on a Friday. She has made friends here and chats to everyone with her cup of tea and a biscuit. We both look forward to the lovely, freshly cooked, two course meals made for us by Pat and the other volunteers. We have both made friends here and see the members during the week or at weekends as well. We love coming here.”

While our busy bee team is cooking up a storm in the kitchen, other volunteers are supporting our members with regular refreshments, answering questions, helping with activities or just having a social conversation. The delicious meals are prepared and cooked on site and volunteers help with food preparation, cooking, serving, clearing / washing up, serving tea/ coffees and chatting to members. Birthdays are always celebrated, as well as, special days and seasons to help members remember and share memories. Carers Story “My husband and myself have attended this Hub regularly for about 3 years. We find the socialising with other people very important, as it stimulates my husband being with other people and he loves singing along to the music. The staff and volunteers are all very friendly and provide us with a wonderful meal.”

Men’s Breakfast Hub This group was set up as a relaxed, safe and welcoming space for men to talk about daily life, different interests, health issues and to make new friends. This has most definitely happened and the group has grown over the last year and has supported over 20 men, with mental health needs, depression and anxiety, long-term health conditions, physical disability and loneliness The session starts with a lovely freshly cooked egg and bacon bap, with lots of tea and coffee. Everyone has the opportunity to chat and discuss and raise questions and we always look for new and interesting things to talk about. We usually have a local topic to discuss first, which the men choose themselves, while they enjoy their breakfast. Then we have an activity up until 12 noon. These are just some of the sessions we have had over the year: Local Community Police, Fire Brigade, Fire prevention, Metal detecting, Suffolk Community Foundation, Micro Herbs, ActivMens Sheds, Volunteering, Peoples Community Garden activities, including events, community garden tours, Ipswich Classic Cars, Garden Insects, Secrets of the Suffolk Coastline, local military and aviation history, and multiple quizzes plus reminiscence sessions. All of the members say that they really look forward to Wednesday mornings with anticipation and some excitement. It has given many of them more purpose and has enabled them to meet, other like-minded people, which has made friendships so they meet up with outside the group. They have met up for breakfasts, and recently went to the Cold War Museum at Bentwaters, where they had a fantastic morning. Every single one has said how much they enjoy the sessions, so this is what our members have to say. Members Story “Seriously, it provides me with the chance to mix with other guys who enjoy each other’s company and I also really enjoy the banter as well! Also, it’s great to be part of a regular, enjoyable activity, which has proven to be a lifeline for me in the last 2 years, since losing my wife Val. Thank you for having me as part of the Men’s Breakfast Hub.” “I came to the Men’s Breakfast Hub to meet new people after losing my wife. I really like the activities we do and enjoy taking part in the different discussions that we have. Coming here makes me feel really relaxed and I look forward to coming and enjoy every week.”

Visit from Jon Neil, CEO Suffolk Mind

Members Story “I was introduced to the Men’s Breakfast Hub in Spring 2022. It was an opportunity to meet other likeminded men to share experiences and ideas. Where I live in rural Suffolk, there is a dearth of facilities and infrastructure, there is nothing like this weekly hub. I enjoy attending the Men’s Breakfast Hub, in Ipswich, for a variety of reasons, all the attendees are from different backgrounds and experiences. I enjoy the banter and cross talk among us, and the opportunity to challenge outlooks and attitudes is refreshing and stimulating. I would highly endorse expanding this Men’s Breakfast Hub format and structure to other parts of Suffolk.”

Members Story “This is how this Hub has helped me: It expands my social circle. I learn about different points of view from the other guys. Which is interesting. The group helps to counteract loneliness. We have different speakers and professionals who provide knowledge and experiences that are interesting and help increase my overall knowledge. It helps me feel part of the group. It also provides lots of signposting to all sorts of help, from other groups and charities.”

ActivHeart’s Ladies Hub ActivHeart’s Ladies Hub was funded by Heart Research UK to raise awareness about Heart Health in women 55 years and over, meeting at the Cress Pavilion, adjacent to The Peoples Community Garden in Maidenhall, Ipswich. The initial aim was to set up a focus group to agree the aims and purpose of the group, discuss areas of interest and heart health information that could be included in a weekly health & well-being programme for women and how we could reach and inform more women. The focus group consisted of 6 ladies of ages ranging from 50’s to late 70’s, so discussions were very varied according to lived experience. The group designed a promotional flyer and set about trying to attract more women to join the group. The group decided that a more central location and a morning meeting might improve access to the weekly meetings, so a new and accessible venue was sought.

Meanwhile, the group continued to meet weekly, on a Tuesday from 2pm – 4pm, where fun activities were organised around heart health and well-being, fitness and lifestyle, with guests including the lovely Imani Sorhaindo, an experienced, Holistic Health Practitioner, who came along and delivered some really lovely, relaxing, well-being sessions to the group. These sessions focussed on calming anxiety and breaking old habits which, the group found very useful, we also had Del Keeble, our Step-by-Step OTAGO Co-ordinator who delivered a session on seated to standing exercise and the benefits, which all participants found beneficial. Through the course of the year, we discussed many different topics including the menopause, healthy heart diets and the benefits of different minerals and vitamins. The group subsequently moved to the centre of Ipswich, to the Quaker Meeting House in Fonnereau Road, where the group continued to meet embarking on a small gardening project, as well. The project continues.

ActivSinging – Ipswich & Woodbridge The Ipswich and Woodbridge community singing groups had another busy year learning new songs and taking on new challenging harmonies. The new 2022/2023 song book included songs from different eras and styles, with songs chosen by the group. The groups covered styles such as musical theatre, swing, pop, two-part Everly Brothers songs and a new Christmas film soundtrack song from ‘Home Alone’. The Woodbridge and Ipswich groups joined forces to sing at the ActivLives AGM in October 2022 and sounded amazing. They received so many lovely comments on their uplifting performance and most of the audience could not believe that it was only the second time the two singing groups had come together to sing – they learnt the same songs in their individual sessions and performed several of their favourite songs at the AGM.

Gina Cristallino ActivSingers Music Facilitator & Elderflower Hub Co-ordinator

With the membership of both groups increasing over the year, the Music Facilitator, Gina Cristallino, found herself in need of some assistance to lead the alto and soprano parts. The call was put out for someone to volunteer and gain skills in assisting and leading the group from time to time, with a view to becoming a Community Music Facilitator in the future. Gina and the group were very pleased when member Nicola stepped forward and said she would like to give it a go. Nicola now assists Gina at the ActivSinging – Ipswich group.

Members Story “I love to sing but have not been able to commit to a performing choir. So finding such a wonderful group of singers so friendly and welcoming and lead by a true singer who teaches us to make such great sounds and not just a ‘sing-a-long’ session makes it the best experience for me. Plus being able to bring my mum and dad to listen, as they love to do and being so welcomed by all, has made those Fridays something very much to look forward to. It’s a great lift for my well-being, singing is good for the soul. Thank you, Gina, and ActivLives for the happiness you bring to my life.”

Members Story “The singing group has helped me make new friends and I really enjoy it. The Music Facilitator is a very good teacher and I always come away very happy. Emotionally I think singing is very good for you.”

12 Reasons Singing is Good for You: Singing makes you feel better. ... Singing strengthens the immune system…. Singing is a natural anti-depressant Singing enhances lung function.... Singing improves your posture Singing helps with sleep Singing helps you beat stress and relax. ... Singing helps improve memory..... Singing builds a sense of community… Singing lets you express yourself. ... Singing can help with pain relief. ... Singing boosts your confidence.

Elderflower Hub for Carers and cared for The Elderflower Hub is funded through a partnership with Suffolk Family Carers. Meeting on a weekly basis, the Elderflower group have tried a number of new and different activities over the last year, providing stimulating and enjoyable sessions for both the Carer and cared for. The proof of the Hub’s success, is the people who come back week after week. This year, we encouraged the group, to input their ideas into the weekly activity programme and the general development of the Hub. Their ideas and suggestions were taken on board and executed whenever possible. They also looked at New Year resolutions for the year ahead and the group started to meet up outside of the sessions, attending outings together, such as the ballet or the cinema. It’s great to see, the extension of friendship, social interaction and support outside of the Elderflower Hub, as well as, at the weekly session.

A big thank you to the Elderflower Volunteers, who prepare the light lunch each week for members, cater for special occasions, such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration and join in or assist with the weekly activities. 14

St Mary at Stoke Lunch Club The St Mary at Stoke Lunch Club started in November 2007, as part of the ‘Town & Bridge Project’ and in partnership with the St Mary at Stoke Church. It started with 8 members and now we cater for up to 30 people every Tuesday. It is run by a fantastic team of volunteers, led by Anita and Linda, who are dedicated in supporting often lonely and isolated older adults in Ipswich and making sure they have an enjoyable experience together, a healthy meal, support and friendship. A big thank you to all the volunteers and Tina the cook, what they do, goes beyond just volunteering at a weekly lunch club. This year we celebrated Pauline’s 100th Birthday with her family and ActivLives Lunch Club members. Pauline has been attending the Lunch Club and exercise session for many years.

Born in 1923, she had tea with the Queen before her reign in 1951, when her husband was a Chief Petty Officer for the royal Navy and worked with Prince Philip when he was Captain of the ship. She was also asked to plant a tree outside the front of St Mary at Stoke Church with the Mayor, Councillor John Cook to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Pauline received her 100th birthday card from the King and an Apostolic Blessing from the Pope, which she brought in to show our members. Pauline thanked everyone at the Lunch Club for their good wishes. Unfortunately, Pauline has recently had to move into a Care Home, but members and volunteers keep in touch with her.

Tina’s Angels

ActivSport In January 2023 we welcomed Frazier Seager, who joined the ActivSport team alongside Mike McCarthy, to develop inclusive sport for older adults funded by the Rope Trust and establish New Age Kurling groups in Ipswich and East Suffolk, supported by the Engaged Communities Fund – Public Health & Communities / Suffolk County Council. This has enabled Mike McCarthy to continue developing inclusive sport for people with a disability, including physical and intellectual disability / Autism for both younger and older adults. The ActivSport programme is a series of sport and physical activity sessions that are ‘inclusive’, such as, Boccia, Bowls, New Age Kurling, Badminton, Table Tennis, Short Tennis, Yoga, Health and Well-being walks and Walking Football. This means that they are activities that are accessible to a wide variety of people, delivered in a way that makes this aim a reality. We focus on activities and a delivery approach, that is more likely to appeal to those who may be finding it difficult to access other sports activities, for whatever reason. The benefits to ActivLives, of an inclusive sport programme: x It attracts a new group of people to our services x It helps to further raise our profile as a community organisation x It complements other aspects of our work x It helps to achieve the wider aims of the organisation x It generates new streams of income

Mike McCarthy – ActivSport Development Officer

Frazier Seager ActivAgeing Development Officer

The benefits to the participants in our ActivSport programme include: x Increased social activity and physical activity x Improvements to mental health and feelings of well-being x Improvements in physical fitness, particularly in terms of strength, endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility x Widening participants social network and their links to their wider community and a feeling of connectedness x The chance to take part in activities that they may not otherwise be able to access x Increased self-esteem and self-confidence x The opportunity to develop an existing skill, or to develop new ones A Members Story Since H has been attending ActivLives sessions her confidence in meeting new people and trying new things, has soared. She also seems to have improved her balance and co-ordination. Before H started to come to these sessions (Bowls, Badminton and Ping Pong/Short Tennis), she would look to Support Staff for re-assurance, but now she is able to arrive, prepare for the activity and feel comfortable in what she is doing. She is now confident in chatting with others without looking to her Support Worker to speak for her – these are significant changes for H. 16

Working in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk and a wide range of other community organisations and charities in Suffolk and across the country, we have engaged, motivated and encouraged more people with a disability to participate in inclusive sport; raised awareness about disability / inclusive sports; promoted and developed Boccia sessions in Ipswich and East Suffolk; improved access to inclusive sport and provided opportunities for people to participate in competitions, tournaments and festivals. A big thank you to Mike McCarthy and the fantastic team of volunteers who helped organise or volunteer at the following events. Boccia & Badminton Events Diary 2022 - 2023 April 2022 - ActivLives Inclusive Badminton Tournament - held at Whitton Sports Centre in Ipswich, with 23 athletes competing in both singles and doubles events. This was the second ActivLives tournament since the pandemic and the first to include competitors from another Inclusive/Special Olympics club. Four players joined us from the Anders Disability Badminton Charity, based in Wimbledon. The event concluded with a very exciting Team Relay match, involving all 23 of the competitors. April 2022 - The ActivLives ‘Boccia Festival’ - held recently at Whitton Sports Centre in Ipswich, saw some brilliant performances from all of the 13 competing teams. The event was an opportunity for players, with a disability, to showcase their skills and teamwork in this most inclusive of all sports. The festival had 37 competitors from the Ipswich and Stowmarket areas and was supported by a variety of local disability providers including Wots Up, Papworth Trust, Avenues East, Mid-Suffolk Axis and Genesis (Orwell Mencap), as well as a number of individual players. May 2022 – Back to Boccia Tournament in Hatfield - ActivLives boccia players have been busy competing at the ‘Back to Boccia’ Central tournament held recently in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Eleven players from the ActivBoccia group, who play weekly at Whitton Sports Centre in Ipswich, competed in a variety of classifications in Hatfield. “We had players competing in the BC2, BC6 and BC8 classifications over the weekend”, said Mike McCarthy, “they all did a fabulous job of adapting to the level of competition which they faced. For all of our BC8 players, (those with an intellectual disability), this was their first formal competition at this level” The players have been supported each week by Boccia Session Leader, Ally Embley and GB Paralympian, Evie Edwards. Many thanks also to Mags Fortune, from Wots Up, for her support in making it possible for athletes to compete at this event. May 2022 – Para-Badminton Tournament in Gillingham - Eight athletes from the ActivLives/Special Olympics Suffolk group competed at a new Para-Disability tournament organised by Kent Badminton and held in Gillingham. “This was our athletes first competition outside of Suffolk, since February 2020. All of them did a great job of flying the flag for Suffolk”, said Mike McCarthy, from ActivLives. Our team won a variety of medals in both the Singles and Doubles events. August 2022 – Special Olympics National Badminton Tournament in Walsall - Members of the Ipswich ‘Inclusive Badminton’ group, did us all proud, as they flew the flag for the Eastern Region, at the National Special Olympics Badminton Tournament held at the University of Wolverhampton Sports Campus in Walsall. The team of 12 players from Suffolk, did a brilliant job of representing our county and region, winning a total of 13 medals across the range of singles and doubles events. Mike McCarthy said “The opposition was often tough, and it certainly wasn’t all plain sailing for our team, but they all stuck to their task brilliantly throughout the two days of competition. All of our players were a real credit to Special Olympics Suffolk and ActivLives”. The weekly inclusive Badminton sessions are run by ActivLives, in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk

September 2022 – Boccia Festival National Boccia Day - ActivLives, ran a Boccia tournament at Whitton Sports Centre in Ipswich, to help to celebrate National Boccia Day 2022. There were 38 competitors from across the county who all came together to enjoy a fantastic day of Boccia action. During the day the tournament was visited by BBC Radio Suffolk with some of the players being interviewed about their love of Boccia. Paralympian, Evie Edwards, a member of the Boccia team that represented Great Britain in Tokyo and now coaches the sport, was also at the tournament to help referee the games and to present the winner’s medals at the end of the day’s competition. Mike McCarthy, ActivSport Development Officer said “Boccia is a great sport, anyone can enjoy it, it’s a sport for people with disabilities as well as those who may find other sports intimidating and/or difficult to play. The sport is so inclusive, it really is great fun!” November 2022 – Inclusive Badminton Tournament – This tournament was held at Gainsborough Leisure Centre – feedback from a player and a parent. “These sessions and tournaments provide for people like me, who don’t have the confidence to play sport without a bit of help and encouragement. It enables people to get active, who wouldn’t otherwise be playing sport.” “My daughter thoroughly enjoyed herself at the ActivLives Badminton tournament on Saturday. I was so impressed at how she has improved and never expected her to last the day. She showed remarkable concentration. It really was a great day”. January 2023 – New Stowmarket Boccia session starts at Stowmarket Leisure Centre – A new Boccia group with over 30 participants was established in partnership with Everyone Active – Stowmarket Leisure Centre and ActivLives, supported by Active Suffolk and Sport England’s Together Fund. (10 sessions, 31 individuals with 192 total attendances - January-March) Anselm Gurney, Everyone Active’s partnership manager, said: “We are delighted to be offering these sessions to the local community, which are helping to fulfil our objective of getting everyone active. We are very grateful for the support of our partners who have made these sessions possible, ActivLives, Active Suffolk and Sport England.” February 2023 – New Boccia sessions starts at Felixstowe Leisure Centre – A new Boccia group with 5 participants was established in partnership with Places Leisure – Felixstowe Leisure Centre – supported by Active Suffolk & Sport England’s Together Fund. March 2023 – ActivLives Boccia Festival in Ipswich – ActivLives holds a Boccia Festival at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich. The event attracted 40 competitors from across Suffolk, competing for the medals in the team event. All the players who took part, have an intellectual, physical and/or sensory disability, and most already play Boccia with ActivLives, on a regular basis. Paralympian, Evie Edwards, was one of the many brilliant volunteers who made this event happen. Mike McCarthy, said “We are absolutely delighted by the number of players at this event, and by the quality of Boccia that was played across all of the groups. The buzz in the hall, throughout the day, has been brilliant”.

A Members Story “Just want to say how much I look forward to my Thursday mornings with ActivLives Walking Football. I have been going for a few years now and not only is it keeping me fit, but I’ve also made so many friendships through it. To meet new people after retiring is not always easy and this is a brilliant way to get together, have a few laughs and enjoy the banter. My wife and I also joined badminton with ActivLives which is something we enjoy doing together on a Tuesday. She also sings with the community choir on alternate Fridays under the brilliant Gina, so as you can see ActivLives is a very big part of our lives. It’s good to think that this service is available to us ‘oldies’ and hope it carries on as our lives would not be the same without this super service.”

A Members Story “You create that culture of an enjoyable unbeknown self-help group that we all enjoy and is good for our mental health. Somehow a great bunch of people has evolved into a ‘must turn up it’s good for all of us Thursday’. That’s down to you. A keep fit session whilst enjoying ourselves. The very best £5, I spend each week.”

Testimonial from a participating Organisation A group of customers from our service (Stowmarket Hub, Leading Lives) attend the Boccia sessions facilitated by ActivLives at Stowmarket Leisure Centre. People have been attending faithfully since the group began and look forward to the sessions as a highlight of their week. The sessions are very well led by Evie and Mike – they make everyone welcome, know everyone’s name, and include everyone in the various games. There is a good balance of it being fun but with just enough of a competitive edge to satisfy those who want to take it that bit more seriously. Our customers benefit from accessing the group in a public location, meeting and mixing with people they otherwise wouldn’t see. It may seem like a small thing, but for some of our customers to be confidently accessing a public building because of the positive experiences they have had there, is really quite significant and lovely to see. Phil (Manager, Leading Lives Stowmarket)

In November 2022, ActivLives was well represented at the Active Suffolk Awards evening, held at Trinity Park in Ipswich. The event presents an annual opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of the county's top sports heroes, physical activity advocates, community groups and schools. Two of our long-standing volunteers, Don Golding and John Doy, were shortlisted for the ‘Unsung Hero’ Award and the ‘ActivSport’ project was shortlisted in the ‘Innovative Project’ category. Don and John were being recognised for their work in helping us to promote and develop inclusive badminton opportunities with our partners, Special Olympics Suffolk. Unfortunately, we weren’t Award Winners in either category, but it was an informative evening, and it was lovely that some of our ActivSport members were able to join us, including Lily aged 92 years old who represented ActivWalks. Sadly, Lily passed in May 2023 and will be greatly missed from the Christchurch Health & Well-being walk and the Wednesday exercise group.

A Volunteers Story I have been a volunteer with the Inclusive badminton sessions, run by ActivLives, for many years now and have always appreciated the weekly support from Mike, the coach, and the messages of gratitude from Julie and the organisation. ActivLives make everyone welcome to their sessions and events they run and I can see, on a weekly basis, how the participants benefit - I know I gain a lot from the experience as well. All in all, I can see that ActivLives play such a big part in the lives of so many people. DG (Volunteer)

ActivWalks The Christchurch Park Health & Well-being walk has been running on alternate Mondays for 16 years, led by 5 volunteer walk leaders. This year we have held 22 walks; with 580 attendances and an average of 27 people on each walk. We split into two groups to accommodate people’s different abilities. This year we had to say goodbye to Graham & Caroline who have supported the walk for a number of years. We wish them every success and happiness in their new home in Yorkshire.

Photographs by Anne Webster

Thank you to all the walk leaders for your commitment and dedication and making the walks enjoyable and safe for the participants. 20

ActivAgeing The ActivLives Kurlers Project was funded by the Engaged Communities Response and Recovery Fund to enable the ActivAgeing Project Officer to engage more people in New Age Kurling, an inclusive sport, which we introduced in Ipswich many years ago, as part of the ActivIpswich Project. Taster sessions were held in Ipswich and Felixstowe, as well as with local groups such as ACCE, Rushmere Older Adults Social Group, and the Jumpstart Group at Felixstowe Library. Two new groups were established at Felixstowe Leisure Centre and at Inspire Suffolk in Ipswich joining the weekly Saturday session we hold at the Walton Community Hall. The project has reached 81 people aged 55 years and over with multiple health conditions including, mental health, Parkinson’s Disease, Neuropathy, early on-set Dementia, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Bronchiectasis and Learning Disability. The project brought a very diverse group of people together who are very supportive of each other, and the activity has helped to improve physical and mental health, as well as, reducing loneliness and social isolation. Members look forward to attending and seeing each other each week, they enjoy the activity and catching up with everyone over a cuppa and a biscuit at the end of the session. A New Age Kurling Tournament will be held in the New Year bringing these two groups and other New Age Kurling Groups across the County together to compete in a friendly and fun competition.

Members Feedback

Members Story

“It was very good, and everyone was very friendly.”

Mr T has Osteoporosis, which has affected his joints and his overall ability to partake in his usual sporting activities. Mrs J’s confidence was affected by a recent seizure. Having both been an active couple they knew the importance of keeping active and the benefits it brings.

“Frazier made the session very interesting and engaging. It made us use our brains, as well as our general fitness.” It’s good fun and keeps us moving. It was great to meet everyone.” “New game I hadn’t tried before – just the right amount of exercise for me.”

Mrs J began attending chair-based exercise led by ActivLives CEO where she found out about the ActivSport programme and both her and Mr T decided they would like to try Kurling. They enjoy Kurling as it is a fun game which requires skill, which appeals to their sporty nature, and they could partake as a couple. Mr T is enjoying a sport that suits his mobility. Mrs J’s confidence has been improving, they have even got back to some of their previous activity after the session, having a walk together along the Felixstowe seafront. 21

ActivGardens ActivGardens are safe, healthful breathing spaces where people can – x make friends, feel purposeful and help others x learn practical skills in gardening, nature conservation, cooking, beekeeping and woodwork x improve their health and well-being through getting active and growing their own food x look to a more positive future by developing competencies such as good communication, commitment and teamwork. Our gardens are where everyone can find their niche and work at their own pace, and where individual skills and talents are nurtured and encouraged, as part of a cohesive community project. Our projects appeal to a wide range of people – including: x older people who enjoy sharing their skills and the company of others x young people who learn skills and gain confidence and self-belief x people with learning and physical disabilities who are able to take things at their own pace x people who are long-term unemployed and can learn new skills and regain motivation x members of the local community who enjoy helping and supporting other people. Being outside in our inspiring community gardens and green spaces helps people keep active, connected, and learning in a safe and positive environment. We have responded to the steep post-pandemic rise in the number of people living with mental ill health issues by creating initiatives specifically aimed at reaching out and providing opportunities for those who need help. This has led to us becoming a delivery partner for a new community-based model for mental health services in Suffolk, funded by the NHS.

Susannah Robirosa Fundraising & Development Manager

Ian Hirst Operations Officer

Samantha Grainger-Cowles Gardening in Mind Project Officer

Participant Feedback aged 37 years. “I had a bad day today, but the people cheered me up and I feel more positive. This project has helped me to feel comfortable as part of the community. Come – it’s great fun and therapeutic! This place has really helped me. I feel 10 times better than I did before. It’s given me something to do, something to get up for. I used to spend all day in bed.” 22

Our Volunteers Our core volunteers are key to the maintenance and smooth running of our community gardens and green spaces. In 2022-23, 55 people helped maintain and develop our gardens, Sudbury Park, ActivSheds, and community apiary, as well as mentoring others and sharing their skills on a weekly basis. They varied from retired professionals who want to contribute to their community, to people who have progressed through our programmes. In 2022-2023 volunteers at the People’s Community Garden, led by Operations Officer Ian Hirst, began a redevelopment of the garden to make it more accessible and create new areas, reflecting what had and had not worked over almost 15 years of operation. We began a programme to make the garden more accessible to people with disabilities, while creating more quiet areas for relaxation and reflection. Volunteers at the PCG, assisted by ActivSheds volunteers, set about building more raised beds, widening paths, creating covered areas for shade and shelter, constructing tables and seating, as well as planting a new herb garden and various other fun and engaging areas. Meanwhile at Chantry Walled Garden, we fulfilled a long-held dream to upgrade our sales area when we got the chance to purchase second-hand plant display benches from a retail nursery that was shutting down. Volunteers pulled out all the stops to transport, paint and install the benches. The huge commitment of the team has meant we increased sales by more than 20% in the period, while exceeding all previous oneday sales records at our Autumn Fair, when we made more than £700. The introduction of a card reader significantly helped. Volunteers also responded to a last-minute request from Ipswich Borough Council to plant up the town’s planters for the Platinum Jubilee, contributing to the town’s celebrations. Ian forged a strong partnership with Community Action Suffolk’s Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) programme, delivering volunteering opportunities and team-building days to companies and networking groups. Thirty-eight people took part from organisations including Do Good, Milestone Logistics, NHS (Strategy and Transformation Business Support), and Smartest Energy. We also rekindled a partnership with Ipswich Rotary Club, who repainted the Pavilion and installed swift boxes, loaned a tower to prune our ancient pear tree at Chantry Cottage, and helped in the upgrade of facilities at Chantry Walled Garden.

Volunteers Story CWG volunteer: L - aged 73 has volunteered for us for seven years, two days a week. She cares for her son - who has additional needs - and her husband, who had had a heart attack. When she decided she needed some time out of the house - just for her. L herself had two strokes when she was quite young, so it's important to her to keep active. She said: "I retired at 50 - it all boils down to nothing. I felt a bit useless; it feels as if you've been chucked on the rubbish heap. So, I started coming here. I knew nothing about flowers - stuff them in the ground and that's it. I know all about veg but nothing about flowers. So, I've learnt such a lot coming over here and finding out what they need to grow. I like seeing all the flowers out and how pretty they are. It's very stimulating and good to work as a team. It's very peaceful. I care for my son and my husband, so it's something different. These are my days. As soon as you get home, you're a carer again. Even outside of here - I meet people at the supermarket and talk about how their plants are doing, so we get feedback. 23

Sudbury In Sudbury, the team has gone from strength to strength in maintaining Belle Vue Park’s borders, helping Sudbury scoop a Silver Gilt award in the Large Town Category of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Anglia in Bloom Awards. Babergh District Council was so impressed with the way our dedicated team of volunteers keeps the park, it decided to fund the main costs of the project over two years. We also started planning a new partnership with The Bridge Project, delivering gardening sessions to people with learning disabilities. Our thanks to Project Co-ordinator Haidee Stephens, who made a huge contribution to leading the project with her design skills and horticultural knowledge before stepping down early in 2023. Meanwhile, former volunteer Jane Bearham has taken up the role of leading the team and is doing a tremendous job. ActivSheds

Members Story

Our ActivSheds project continued to provide a positive, social environment for men experiencing a variety of challenges in their lives (Friday session), while our mixed gender sessions (on Thursdays) have helped people of all ages and abilities to learn basic woodworking techniques as part of a friendly, supportive group.

G joined ActivSheds early in 2022 after hearing about us through his therapist at ICANHO in Stowmarket. He had a stroke in 2020 at work, which left him temporarily unable to walk. G used to be in the Forces before becoming a carpenter working on building sites. He has an NVQ Level 3 in carpentry. He says: “When I saw it was a workshop environment I was chomping at the bit, as I don’t have facilities at home. I come every Thursday, religiously. I love it! I love access to a workshop and machinery to allow me to make things. You have everything to make something.

This year, the men’s group set about building an extension to facilities. They planned, measured, ordered materials and used their skills and spirit of co-operation to make it all happen. We now have a much bigger and better space for people to take part, as well as more room for storage.

We say “hello” and have cups of tea. It’s a nice friendly group. We all help each other and rub along together. There are no egos. And it’s a safe environment. I have made a bird box for wrens for me, one for my neighbour and one for the Community Transport driver. I’ve made a chest for a model steam engine – which is as old as me! I want to give it to my grandson.

On Thursdays, we have worked with service users from Woodlands Mental Health Unit and other mental health support organisations, as well as providing long-term placements for people on probation. Session Leader John Bettinson – a former volunteer - has helped build an effective referral pathway with Social Prescribing.

I’ve helped others do their little thing – that’s the added bonus of being a carpenter – I know what a nice finish is. I get tired after two hours – thought, co-ordination is a problem and I have problems writing. Everything for me at the moment is slow. I’m trying to make my head and hands work together – this helps. I can’t sit around all day. It gets me out of the house. It’s a family of sorts. I want to be active. I want to build a Spitfire aeroplane and John wants to help me build it! It’s having the confidence and space to build. We’re gathering all the materials. I want my grandson to go “Wow” – and me to go “Wow”!

Beekeeping Our team of beekeepers maintains our community apiary under the guidance of our amazing mentor Barrie Powell (AKA Barrie the Bee). A diverse team of six to eight people meets every Monday to tend the hives, manage their needs and harvest the honey. We offer taster sessions to give everyone a chance to get involved – this year we have worked with a wide range of people, including younger and older people with additional needs, people living with mental ill health (Walking with the Wounded charity), homeless, people on probation, older people and younger people with complex barriers to learning, local families and children. In the period, we worked with at least 30 additional people, including course participants and ESV volunteers. We were rewarded with a bumper crop of honey!

ActivLives LifeWeb showing improvement in well-being for Gardening In Mind participant February 2023

Feedback from participants:

Supporting Mental Wellbeing

“I feel a lot calmer and have learnt new skills within gardening that I am going to take home with me to try. I enjoyed being out within a non-clinical, natural environment, sensory wise with all the colours and scents.”

In 2023, recognising some volunteers and participants needed an added layer of support with their mental health, we created a new post at ActivGardens – a Green Care Worker – funded for a year. Former volunteer Samantha GraingerCowles was appointed to the post, taking time to have a supportive chat with those who wanted to discuss their problems, giving help and advice, and signposting them to organisations who could offer further assistance. Sam also continued to work with service users at Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Mental Health Unit at Ipswich Hospital (Woodlands), as part of Bridging the Gap project - running therapeutic gardening sessions throughout summer and autumn 2022 at ActivGardens.

“It’s so brilliant to be out in such a sensory environment and I enjoy the fact that we are able to choose which tasks we want to try. I love the chats and learning so much over the past few weeks. I can’t wait to try this when I get home.” “Absolutely adore my time with Sam at the gardens. It’s so warm and inviting and no pressure at any time. I love to garden at home, but I have learnt so much I am going to try. I may even start to grow my own produce in containers after being shown how easy it is.” “I was tense when I arrived, but I walked around the gardens with staff and felt a lot calmer and even joined in with some work in the orchard.” “We made flower arrangements from cuttings we took and decorated with ribbon to take back with us. I can’t wait to have the lavender in my room as it helped me feel calm and I love the smell.”

Samantha is now Project Officer for a series of six 12-week courses - ‘Gardening in Mind’ - to support the mental well-being of up to 72 people until October 2024. We launched the project in January 2023, with the first course running from February to April. Twelve people from a variety of backgrounds took part. The eight people who completed the course reported that they had improved their wellbeing, learnt new skills and built their confidence, while enjoying making new contacts and friends as part of a community project. 25

Skills and Learning Programmes: ‘Roots to Work’ We ran our final European Social Fund project in Ipswich, enabling nine people to learn skills, gain confidence, and move towards further learning, training and employment. They presented with a range of challenging circumstances, including - long-term unemployment, former homelessness, in recovery from severe mental ill health, learning differences, and socially isolated. Of these participants, six people continued to volunteer, three people progressed to employment, and one person gained accredited horticulture-related qualifications. Participants said they had learnt skills, and increased confidence, and that the project had helped improve their overall wellbeing, especially mental health. Being with others as part of a positive project is reported by almost all participants as the biggest benefit. Participants Feedback: “It’s helped me realise this is the sort of work I want to be in. It’s increased my knowledge base and my confidence in what I know. It’s what I look forward to in the week. It’s given me the knowledge to move forward.” Male participant in their 30s “It’s helped me achieve goals set out before starting the project. It’s helped me have structure in my week. It’s helped my confidence grow from week to week with each new horticulture skill.” Male participant in their 20s.

Young People’s Learning Programmes We provided weekly volunteering placements over the entire year for 14 young people with complex barriers to learning – including learning and or physical disability, mental ill health, physical ill health, addiction, living in care - both independently and in partnership with local colleges and training organisations, including WS Training. In Sudbury, we ran an activity day for young police cadets. We were delighted to be able to work again with schools, after the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. We provided an activity day for 75 five-to six-year-olds from Castle Hill Infant School in July, who took part in gardening, nature conservation, beekeeping and building a bird box at ActivSheds. We provided help and advice to two primary schools in how to set up their own learning / wildlife gardens. We provided work experience placements to two Stoke High School students. In addition, we welcomed 25 Guides (10–14-year-olds) and 16 Brownies (7–10-yearolds) to ActivSheds to make bird boxes and bug hotels to take home, with a tour around the community garden to let off steam! Schools Visit to the Gardens Castle Hill Year 1 Lead Teacher said the trip to the community garden was the first school trip the children had ever had. She said: We just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for such a wonderful day! The children had an amazing time, and we heard a lot of “This is the best day of my life!” on the way home! You, Ian and your group of volunteers made our day, every activity was so lovely and thought out for us. They absolutely loved taking the bug boxes home and their parents loved them. Hopefully we can plan another trip with our new Year 1 children for next year. Thanks again.” The Year 1 Team at Castle Hill.

Older Adults Many of our volunteers are older people – a group of 12 people ranging in age from 60 to 80+ help run our community plant nursery, significantly contributing to the financial sustainability of ActivGardens. Meanwhile, residents of local care homes enjoy our accessible sensory gardens, and we provide a safe venue for groups of older people to gather and engage in activities.

Maggie Batchelar, Art Psychotherapist, Woodlands Unit, Ipswich Hospital

Participant Feedback, aged 67 years.

“This project has helped me – I needed somewhere to lose myself. There were too many things going on at once, and my mind was too full. Here, you can step out of the rat race and into a carefree area. It lifts a weight from your mind. You are surrounded by nature, and it makes you feel better in lots of ways – the joy of seeing plants, rebirth. No doubt about it, it lifts you. I have become more active, and I am putting something back into the local community and contributing my own skills. Having retired, I need something to fill my day. I need to do things that make me feel happy and proud.”

“We know that inpatient admissions are highly stressful experiences for patients and for their families and that there is understandable anxiety and fear for many people about returning home. Loneliness, social isolation, lack of confidence and purpose are common factors in exacerbating the psychological difficulties people experience, which may lead to readmissions. The opportunities to visit the ActivLives gardens whilst on the ward and engage in accessible gardening activities alongside others, offers people a foothold into a community resource that they might otherwise not have considered or felt able to try. This stepped approach to re-engagement back into community fits entirely with recovery model best practice as the CHIME framework upholds. The tailored, supportive, informative and gentle approach offered by ActivGardens staff encourages people to return, both from the ward and once they have been discharged home. The feedback from patients is consistently positive and the recent walks in Christchurch Park have been hugely successful, for example, an elderly gentleman on Willows Ward is now looking for a local walking group to join when he leaves hospital, as he has realised how much he enjoyed the gentle walking in the park.”

Participants Feedback aged 58 years. “It gets me up in the mornings more. It relieves anxiety – I don’t feel so depressed. It’s helped my confidence in the workplace – I’m not so angry. I’ve taken some knowledge back to the work environment and it’s given me confidence in community work and plant knowledge. I’ve got more self-esteem and confidence. I’ve met more people down here – I don’t feel so isolated.”

Julie Stokes, CEO & Susannah Robirosa, ActivGardens Fundraising and Development Officer were both highly honoured to receive a County Councillor Award from Councillor Nadia Cenci in February 2023, for making a difference in the community and inspiring others to do the same. Julie CEO was employed in September 2006 by the Local Strategic Partnership to develop the Town & Bridge Project in the centre of Ipswich & Susannah joined the project in 2008 to develop the People’s Community Garden at the Ipswich Borough Council Allotment site at Maidenhall. Julie & Susannah have developed numerous projects over the years to enable people to improve their physical and mental health, gain skills and employment and reduce loneliness and social isolation. In 2012 the project became a Charity and changed its name to ActivLives, covering Ipswich and East Suffolk and Sudbury in the west of the county. Julie and Susannah also play a big part in securing funding and fundraising for the organisation, to enable ActivGardens and all the other services to continue to develop and grow, delivering services that people can access to improve their health and well-being, build their confidence, learn new skills and feel valued members of their community. ActivLives has an amazing team of staff, freelance staff and key volunteers who are passionate, committed and dedicated in providing a wide range of opportunities and activities that bring people together, improve and changes people’s lives. We were also delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington who visited Chantry Walled Garden, a Better Balance Session, and Elderflower Carers Hub. Mark presented a certificate to all the groups and thanked all the volunteers and staff for their dedication and commitment and the caring services they provide in very challenging times. 28

Step-by-Step Programme & Keep on Moving Project The Step-by-Step Programme and our Keep on Moving Project are supported and work in partnership with, several organisations including NHS Suffolk & North East Essex Integrated Care Board; Mid-Suffolk & Babergh District Council, East Suffolk District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, East of England Co-op, Suffolk Community Foundation, Active Suffolk, SOSA Dance and health professional across Ipswich and East Suffolk. The Step by Step Programme

Jemma Prentice OTAGO Co-ordinator

This programme delivers 18 weekly Better Balance & OTAGO sessions held in a variety of accessible community settings, such as Church Halls, Sheltered Housing Schemes, Village Halls, Well-being Centres etc. This type of activity helps prevent falls and fractures and enables people to live independently for longer, in their own home. We also provide fun inclusive seated and standing ActivSteps and Simply SOSA dance sessions, which also includes some key OTAGO exercises to help people build their strength, balance and co-ordination. All these sessions enable people to meet others and make new friends and help people to build social support networks in the community. This year saw the start of three new sessions, one in East Bergholt and two in Needham Market. In total the Step-by-Step Programme now offers 18 Better Balance sessions each week. We have reached 619 people during 2022 - 23, who have registered with the programme. We have delivered 624 sessions; there has been 7,218 attendances and the average attendance each week is 191. The demand for sessions have increased since the pandemic and lockdowns and unfortunately the frailty levels and number of falls have also increased, however the Timed Up and Go assessments, show that the Better Balance sessions have increased confidence; improved strength, balance and co-ordination; reduced falls and helped people recover more quickly after a fall.

Feedback from our members: “I feel so much better when I get home. The session is challenging and helps with my legs. It’s nice to meet people who are friendly.” “It has improved my health and my mobility.” “It has improved my health a lot and my legs feel stronger.”

Del Keeble OTAGO Co-ordinator

Laura Lopez OTAGO Co-ordinator

From April – December 22 previous falls reported before attending sessions were 30 reduced to 3 after 12 weeks of OTAGO exercise. Many of the new referrals were aged 70 years and over.

“The instructor always explains which muscles we are strengthening and what they are for.” “I am much more flexible, and it’s been a great help with my balance. Good exercise, very helpful and lovely people.” “Have found it very useful in helping me keep up with the exercises and has helped my flexibility. The exercise also helped me pre/post a hip operation. The instructor is very aware of our different capabilities and makes useful suggestions about how we can adapt.” 29

Members Story Prior to Mrs H operation she was struggling with her mobility as her limp was so awkward. “My whole life seemed to be on hold due to my hip”. On returning to the classes Mrs H has strengthened the operated leg to such an extent that it is as strong as the good leg if not better. “When working with the hospital physiotherapists they only concentrate on your hip and nothing else. What I like about the classes is they work the whole body from top to toe.” Mrs H’s balance has improved and that is important to her as she lives on her own. “This has given me more confidence on walking on uneven paths, which would have been impossible before I attended these classes”. When getting out of a chair Mrs H now has enough strength in her legs not to have to use her arms and previously relied on adaptation of chairs. “I get out of chairs without thinking now “. Mrs H feels “much more confident doing things safely from getting dressed to shopping. The classes have helped me get my life back”.

Keep on Moving Project The initial project was funded by the East of England Co-op and Suffolk Community Foundation to develop seated sessions in Ipswich, Kirton, Shotley and Walton. This project was very successful and when the funding ended, it was further supported by Suffolk County Council’s Public Mental Health Programme, to deliver two more seated exercise programmes in Felixstowe and Saxmundham. Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said: “We all know the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle for our physical and mental health and how this can help us to stay mobile in our later years and prevent slips, trips, and falls. We are delighted to be able to support ActivLives through the Public Mental Health programme to set up these new seated exercise sessions, which we hope will be well received and attended by residents living in the communities where they will be taking place”. The Keep on Moving Project was established to extend the falls prevention pathway; provide fun seated / dance exercise; raise awareness about Falls Prevention; reach people who had lost confidence in their mobility; enable us to continue to support / maintain and improve members physical and mental health and progress them into the seated and standing exercise delivered by the Step-by-Step Programme. Through the year it has reached 222 people, delivered 60 sessions, had 1,084 attendances and an average attendance of 77 people each week. The Ipswich, Walton, Felixstowe and Saxmundham sessions continue; the Kirton & Shotley sessions now provide seated & standing exercise and Felixstowe & Saxmundham are about to deliver two more new sessions each week.

Members Story Margaret is 72 and lives in Kirton, she has been attending the Keep on Moving classes in Kirton since they started in September. Before beginning the sessions in Kirton Margaret was not very active, she used a walking stick and would quite often experience pain and discomfort when walking. Margaret wanted to begin chair-based exercise as she felt this was achievable with the pain and difficulty she was experiencing with walking. Margaret found out about the ActivLives Keep on Moving sessions in the Kirton church magazine. Margaret’s goal was to improve her fitness, she feels she has achieved this and more! Margaret said, “I can walk better, further and can walk without a walking stick, I feel it is all down to the class, I can go into town on my own now with confidence. The class is so friendly, and the instructors are brilliant. The cost, making friends and location are all ideal. I will be coming back and practicing my exercises at home.” 31

Members Story I look forward to the class with enthusiasm each week. It is helping me to cope better with my arthritis which is very painful. The class is the best one I have attended. The instructor is very professional, personable and makes the class enjoyable and very varied with the different equipment we use each week e.g. resistance bands, blocks, ball and Pilates ring. These exercise all of our body to keep everyone flexible and as active as possible. It’s a very friendly class. The exercises not only make me physically stronger, but have improved my emotional and mental wellbeing enormously, due to family issues beyond my control. I am waiting at least a year for a knee operation and know that the class is helping immensely towards keeping me as well as possible and will also benefit me afterwards.

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Finance Review – April 2022 – March 2023 Treasurer’s Financial Review – Mark Ledger This year has seen a return to more normal activities following the last two years of Covid restrictions. We have enjoyed healthy engagement in all our activities by the members across the various activities we have put on. We still have relatively healthy reserves being carried over from Covid support grants. We incurred a small deficit in the year of £31,382 funding, which means we now carry forward £181,791 of unrestricted funding, so are still in a strong position taking us into 2023-24. Funders for 2022-23 We are continuously grateful to our funders in supporting the valuable work we do. The organisations that helped provide this key funding in the current year were; 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Ipswich Borough Council Suffolk County Council East Suffolk Council Babergh District Council Felixstowe Town Council NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB National Lottery Community Fund Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust North West Ipswich Big Local Trust Suffolk Community Foundation – Realising Ambitions East; Pargiter Trust Fund; Port Community Fund; Suffolk Sports Fund; Birkett’s Fund; Men’s Mental Health Fund; Co-op Community Fund; High Sherriff’s Award; Maurken Fund; Men’s Hub; Fonnereau Road Health Fund; Coop Community Fund; Equity in Mind; Joy Abbott Fund. Suffolk Family Carers Mrs L D Rope Third Charitable Trust Lift Community Grant East Coast College Sport England Heart Research UK ASDA Foundation

In addition to this there has been hard work from all the staff within the organisation, looking after the gardens and promoting the cause of ActivLives, for which all the Trustees are very appreciative. Going Concern The charity is in a strong position and considers there to be no going concern issues. Income and Expenditure x Income for the year was £370,376 x Expenditure for the year was £401,758 For further detailed information please see the Annual Accounts Trustee / Treasurer Mark Ledger

Accounts Examined by: Beatons Group

Bankers National Westminster Bank, Tavern Street, Ipswich 33

Improving Participation in Activities Supporting people to attend ActivLives sessions, Hubs, Community Gardens, Courses etc is very important. We know that living in an urban and rural county like Suffolk, there are a going to be a number of barriers that prevent people from joining activities. To try and understand these barriers and as part of a larger project, charting the ‘enablers’ and ‘challenges’ to physical activity participation, the University of Essex partnered with ActivLives to understand the complexity of what enables and challenges participation for older adults residing in Suffolk. We sought to use a systems-thinking workshop to address the following objectives: Research Objectives - Understand and define ‘physical activity’ from the perspective of older adults residing in Suffolk. - Chart the enablers and challenges to participation in physical activity from the perspective of older adults. - Explore the complexity between enablers and challenges to participation. - Highlight where change can be leveraged for ActivLives and its partners. Members, volunteers, and staff were invited to attend a half-day workshop to share their views, experience and ideas. There was an overwhelming response, 23 people attended the workshop, it was a great success and provided lots of information for Dr Andrew Brinkley from the University of Essex and their research. Participants were randomly grouped into five tables with a facilitator from the University of Essex or ActivLives. The workshop was conducted through five sequential steps. Foremost (Phase 1), researchers from the University of Essex, provided an overview of the research and systems mapping. Following this (Phase 2), on a large sheet of paper, participants as a group were asked to illustrate activities which they considered represented participation in physical activity. This activity served two purposes; (i) to act as an icebreaker for each group, and (ii) to understand and define physical activity from the perspective of participants. Within Phase 3, as a group, participants were asked to discuss their enablers and barriers to participating in physical activity across the county. Participants were then asked to illustrate these enablers and barriers (factors) across a large sheet of paper. Participants were supported during this phase to consider factors beyond individual determinants (e.g. motivation), and reflect on the social relationships, environments, policies, and structural factors which shape engagement in physical activity. Following this phase (Phase 4), participants illustrated the complexity of participation in physical activity, by linking the enablers and barriers. For example, participants linked health decline to inclusive facilities. This phase was supported by conversations steered by researchers and ActivLives staff. In the final phase (Phase 5), during a break participants reviewed the maps of each group and were able to ask questions. Following this step, each group refined their map.

The outcomes from the workshop: Participants felt that the greatest enablers were: - Awareness of/experienced physical, mental and social health benefits - Raising awareness through leaflets and mail - Instructors, coaches, and support - Having a history of physical activity participation - The support of volunteers and the third sector Whilst the greatest barriers were: - Funding - Confidence with or access to technology – awareness - Personal safety when doing activity - Personal expenses and costs - Lack of focus on older adults by national, regional, and local stakeholders Further, several modifiable factors were deemed important by participants. Modifiable factors, are factors which can be both enablers and challenges, dependent on actions across the system (e.g., by local government): - Confidence, ability, and capacity to participate - Physical, psychological, and social health, function and quality of life - Session, programme and intervention content - Motivation - Style of communication – awareness of sessions, programmes and events

Recommendations for Change Several recommendations can be made from the mapping process and identification of leverage points within the system. These include: - Continue promoting tailored sessions which are (i) inclusive of all, and (ii) highlight changes in physical, psychological, and social health outcomes. - Provide supportive coaching and leadership within. This is linked to confidence, ability, and capacity to participate. This addresses challenges associated with age, health, mobility, and quality of life. - Raise awareness of the value of physical activity for all (be inclusive), through more traditional modes of communication. These were widely favoured by participation within the mapping process. - Lobby local and regional government on access and availability of public transport (enabler or barrier to attendance) - Work with regional stakeholders and policymakers to address challenges to personal safety (road networks, paths, crime). This was important regarding active transport (e.g., walking) and influenced confidence. Thank you to all those who participated in the workshop and the 12 members who volunteered to be part of the new ActivPartnership Group, that will involve members and volunteers in the development of existing and new services and ActivLives, as an organisation in the future. Thank you to Dr Andrew Brinkley and Kurtis Cusimano who are academics from the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at University of Essex for leading the Workshop and producing the report. 35

ActivLives Participation & Monitoring Data We collect data to enable ActivLives to monitor overall participation levels, client profiles and to ensure that we are meeting the requirements of our funders and commissioners and the needs of the people who live in Suffolk. The following data includes our wide range of services – Step by Step Programme, Keep on Moving, ActivSinging Groups, ActivSport, Elderflower Hub & ActivFriends Hub. ActivGardens data is separate. x We currently have over 1,164 people registered on our database, the majority of them are active, however some may be inactive, due to illness, recovery from operations, managing their long-term health conditions and end of life care. x 68% of our members are aged 60 plus; 3% are 90 years and over. x 68% of people state they have long-term health conditions – 47% physical; 7% mental health; 5% sensory; 6% Intellectual Disability and 3% Life Limiting Illness. x We currently have 40 plus volunteers registered with the organisation.

Gender Indentity

0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+ unknown

Age Range

Female Male

Postcodes 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

Ethnicity

White White / Irish White European White nonEuropean Mixed White Black Caribbean Mixed White Asian Asian Indian Asian Bangladeshi Asian Chinese Asian Any Other Asian Pakastani Black Caribbean Black Any Other Any Other Ethnic Group Unknown

ActivGardens Data This data includes people attending the People’s Community Garden, Chantry Walled Garden, ActivSheds and the Sudbury Project. In 2022 – 2023, more than 200 people participated in ActivGardens, 2,975 attendances, benefiting from 11,900 hours of volunteering, learning, work experience and activities. Of these participants, 30% were living with mental health, 20% had a physical disability, and 20% had a learning disability. 26% were economically inactive, 21% were unemployed, 20% were retired and 13% were employed. (For the remaining participants there was no data recorded.)

Gender Indentity

Age Range

Female Male Different gender to birth

0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+ unknown

Ethnicity

Postcodes 70 60 50 40 30 20

Not Known

Other

IP11

IP10

IP9

IP8

IP7

IP6

IP5

IP4

IP3

IP2

IP1

White White / Irish White European White NonEuropean Mixed White Black African Mixed White Asian Asian Indian Asian Bangladeshi Asian Chinese Asian Any Other Black Caribbean Black African Black Any Other Any Other Ethnic Group

Volunteers

ActivLives / ActivGardens Volunteers ActivLives would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers across the organisation, we couldn’t run the organisation, sessions, hubs, lunch club or maintain our gardens / ActivSheds, without you. You are key to the services we provide and are very important to us, to the Charity, our members, and the support you give each other. Thank You Again Volunteering - The number of hours people volunteer varies considerably from 1 hour to over 10 hours a week. During 20222023 volunteers across the organisation contributed approximately 16,000 hours, which equates to a volunteer value of £166,720,00 if calculated against the minimum wage, which is currently £10.42 an hour for people over 23 years of age.

Value for Money Over the last 10 years as a Charity we have supported over 3,000 people in Ipswich and East Suffolk. We currently have 1,164 people registered on our database, many of them active and attending our sessions. If we prevent just 100 of our members from unnecessary contact with their GP, or attending A & E, having a fall resulting in a hip fracture, having hospital care, calling an ambulance, the need for Social Care, the savings to health & social care services is immense. 100 reduced GP contacts £3,923 100 reduced Ambulance call outs £25,800 100 reduced visits to A & E £16,000 100 reduced Hospital Admission per person £35,900 100 prevented hip fractures £1,540,000 100 Complications following a fracture £420,200 7 - days reduced Hospital Care per 100 people £253,200 1 month reduced need for Social Care in the community per 100 people £420,000

Total savings per 100 people

£2,715,023

The investment / funding needed to enable ActivLives to continue to deliver all our preventative services and activities, Hubs, Community Gardens etc. is approximately £400,000. 38

A Big Thank You to all our Supporters ActivLives would like to thank: x x x x x x

All our funders, sponsors, local business and supporters that have enabled us to continue delivering, developing and expanding our projects and services Our members and volunteers for their time, support, commitment, ideas and feedback All our partner organisations that we have worked with over the year and for supporting our services and projects Local media and radio stations for promoting our initiatives All our supporters for their gifts, time and donations Tuddenham Press and other local companies that help promote the work we do

Testimonial from a WI Group On behalf of the Tuddenham WI, I wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful presentation last week. You are an absolute inspiration with all the projects you are running which are benefitting so many people around Ipswich and beyond. We all thoroughly enjoyed our chair dancing session as well! My 90-year-old mother was treated to a session by me at the weekend and she loved it as she always used to be very active but sadly now is not very mobile at all. I visit her every other weekend as she lives in the West Midlands, but I think a ten-minute chair dance will be part of our schedule each time now! She also very much appreciated the honey which I purchased from you as honey has always been an essential for her breakfast. I will try and visit the Maidenhall Community Garden some time to see what you are up to there and hopefully buy some plants or more honey! It is heartening to know such amazing work is being carried out in our communities, thanks to your hard work over the years. Best regards, Sharon Ottley Programme Secretary

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Contact ActivLives:

Main Office: 01473 345350 Email: info@activlives.org.uk