NEWS

MSP partners with innovative charity Liverpool Cares to reduce social isolation through physical activity, sport and a nice cuppa

At MSP, we’re never ones to pass up an opportunity to leverage the power of sport and physical activity to improve people’s quality of life here in the Liverpool City Region.

On Thursday, as part of our work to help strengthen communities and networks, we partnered with innovative charity Liverpool Cares, ‘a community network of young professionals and older neighbours hanging out and helping one another in our rapidly changing city’, to host a get together for local residents

The session, one of many where businesses and organisations host vibrant workplace sessions with the aim of creating better-connected communities and reducing social isolation, took place at MSP’s office.

Members of the local community and MSP staff enjoyed games of boccia together, had a gentle walk in the fresh air and took part in some inclusive chair-based exercise. Plus, the kettle was on to ensure that both brews and conversation flowed freely throughout the afternoon. As well as the chance to take part in physical activity on the day, MSP staff were also on hand to share information on sessions and initiatives happening locally to help the residents attending get out and about and enjoy a physically active social life more often.

Speaking about how much they’d enjoyed the session, one of the participants said,

“It’s been a lovely afternoon meeting all the staff and finding out about what MSP do. I’ve never been any good at any sports and I’ve never played boccia before, but I really enjoyed giving it a go and having a laugh with everyone!”

Abbie Beckett of the Liverpool Cares team added,

“We’re really pleased MSP were able to hold a session. Both the older neighbours who attended and the MSP team members found it really enjoyable and a refreshing change from their usual routine. We’d urge any Liverpool business or organisation that would like to hold a similar session, or older residents who’d like to attend a session to get in touch via the contact page on our website https://liverpoolcares.org.uk/contact or by phoning 0151 659 1789.”

To make sure all local older residents can take advantage of the activity information that was available on the day MSP are making the same list of contact information available below:

• Fit For Me is a campaign which aims to inspire people living or working in Liverpool to be more physically active.  The campaign features local people from across the city sharing their real stories about how they have become active and how this has improved their lives – www.FitForMe.info
• Live Well is a directory of care and support services, activities and information covering Knowsley, Liverpool, and Wirral – https://www.thelivewelldirectory.com
• U3A (University of the Third Age) is a UK movement of retired and semi-retired people who come together to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment – https://www.u3a.org.uk
• Walking for Health is England’s largest network of free group health walk schemes. Run by Ramblers, they’re helping all kinds of people lead a more active lifestyle – https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

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