Be Active aims to enable a person to increase their independence and connection to their community. Within the role you will support and motivate an older person to follow their exercise plan and, through a series of these sessions, help build their confidence. This will empower them go on to regular activity and getting about within their community.
You will be provided with support and training from Open Age and its partners. This includes technological training if you would like to be comfortable providing some of the service over digital technology such as Zoom (circumstances permitting). The time commitment, once you are trained and have a match, is 2-3 hours per week.
We aim to support and encourage people to build their independence by being able to re-engage in activities and tasks they used to carry out. Our program also helps people to build strenght and gain exposure accessing the outside world and re-integrate into the community after a health event.
Enthusiasm, commitment, empathy, a positive attitude toward empowering older people, and good communication skills are the key.
You do not need previous experience working with older people or in the physiotherapy or exercise fields, but becoming a Be Active volunteer could be a great opportunity to acquire valuable experience for such fields or occupational therapy, social care, or rehabilitation.
You may be someone who has overcome some health challenges and wishes to help another person on their journey.
You will not need to do any lifting, but you will need to be able to assist your match through their exercises and go for walks together.
We are keen on promoting exercise as an important part of everyday life, and encourage people to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise as medicine is greatly beneficial, and our volunteers play a key part on helping our client integrate physical activity into their everyday lives.
Our Opportunities
Be Active is a programme where volunteers are matched one-to-one with a 60+ adult to support their rehabilitation exercises at home and in the community for up to 9 sessions.