Good Companions is a local charity which aims to support people from the Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale areas who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We run five friendship groups each week which offer refreshments and a chat, quizzes, a raffle, bingo and a range of other activities such as craft, hoya and pamper sessions.
This article highlights our friendship group held at Parkgate Community Centre on the Nobel Road area of Clifton. The group meets each Friday, 11am to 2pm. As well as our usual friendship group activities, there is also an opportunity for service users to have lunch at the Parkgate Community Kitchen.
Our Parkgate friendship group is led by Co-ordinator Gwen Eyre and assisted by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Gwen tells us: ‘The Parkgate friendship group is a warm and friendly group with a mix of both men and women. We are blessed with fantastic volunteers who will make sure you have everything you need, ask how your week has been and possibly even challenge you to a game of cards or dominoes. Once a month we have a gentle exercise class called qigong (seated tai chi) led by a qualified instructor. Over the summer, we have some lovely activities planned such as a summer holiday themed group, a pamper session and simple crafts. We would love for you to come and join us’.
The Parkgate Community Kitchen serves meals in the main hall of Parkgate Community Centre, Chamberlain Close every Friday from 12 noon.
Leader Tracy Osborne says: ‘Come and have a three course meal with us at a cost of £4 for adults and £2 for children. All are welcome. We also hold a Food Pantry each Friday from 9.30am where surplus food can be purchased for a donation’.
If you are thinking of volunteering for Good Companions, please contact us. Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience. By helping to combat loneliness in our community you really can bring joy to someone’s day. We offer support, training and social events for our volunteers.
To find out more call Sarah (Operations Co-ordinator) on 07743 561 092 or email [email protected].
Recent and forthcoming Good Companions events:
- Thank you to everyone who came to support our joint charity car wash in June at West Bridgford Fire Station. Donations for car washes on the day totaled over £1,000; this was divided equally between the Fire Fighters’ Charity and Good Companions.
- Our annual quiz & supper evening. This will be held at Clifton Methodist Hub on Thursday 4th September, 5.30pm to 8.30pm; doors open at 5pm. Tickets (£9.50 each) include a boxed fish & chip supper (or veggie alternative). Please contact Sarah to purchase a ticket; you can come along and join a team, or bring your own team of up to six people.
Written by Sarah Cox, Operations Co-ordinator at Good Companions.