The DDCVS Social Connectedness Socialympics, held on 25th September, was a resounding success! The event featured demonstrations and taster sessions of pickleball, boccia, indoor kurling, mindful crafts, chair-based exercises and a short, guided colour matching stroll followed by a light lunch. Attendees had the opportunity to try out these activities and engage in conversations, fostering a sense of community.

New Ideas: A village hall organiser discovered indoor kurling and saw its potential to attract a multigenerational audience, from ages 6 to 106! He has applied for funding to purchase the equipment.

Volunteer Engagement: This event provided a comfortable environment for a shy volunteer to connect with larger organisations and individuals whilst participating in mindful crafts.

New Volunteer Connections: A lady looking to volunteer was connected with several organisations that could benefit from her skills.

DDCVS Staff Team and Services: The staff team came together to support the event and easily interacted with attendees, strengthening their own connections. Attendees learned about the various ways DDCVS can assist their groups, including designing posters, offering printing and laminating services at reasonable prices and setting up new groups.

Special Recognition: The Bakewell Parkinson’s Group were presented with the DDCVS Annual Award at our AGM, with many members staying on for the Socialympics. This event allowed them to connect with new people and celebrate their achievements. One member, who thought he would be unable to, played pickleball for 20 minutes, bringing joy to his wife and discovering a new activity he could enjoy.

Community Support: The event provided an opportunity for Police Community Support Officers to connect with groups, offer support and inform attendees about scams.

Reconnections: Two individuals who hadn’t seen each other in 13 years reconnected, highlighting the event’s role in bringing people together.

Future connections: Some participants will engage further with the groups they connected with and discovered on the day.

Final Score for Social Connectedness 10 out of 10!

Look out for the next Social Connectedness event next year!