Meet Ian who lives in Warrington and is supported by David, his Shared Lives Carer, for 12 hours a week.
Gifted at gardening
Ian’s passions and skills include gardening. He has a typically busy week working as a volunteer at the Garden Project at the Old School at Fairfield.
Ian explained why he enjoys volunteering at the project:
Meeting new people as I love being around people and really enjoyed working in the community at Sandy Lane Nursery and the gardens we did at the Longford Community garden and the pensioners work in their houses.
David enjoys working alongside Ian on the project.
Seeing everyone coming together and doing things for other people is great. Ian is always waiting for me at the window when I take him to the garden project. He likes getting outdoors and being social rather than being in the house.
Ian and David make an important community contribution at the Garden Project.
Taking the lead in fitness
Ian and David have also been part of the Fit to Tackle course, a 12 week beginner’s fitness and weight loss programme. Run in collaboration with MacIntyre Great Communities, Livewire and the Warrington Wolves foundation, Ian and David have led the way in the group. They’ve been really passionate and enthusiastic in getting active and social during the weekly session, encouraging other people who are raising their activity and fitness levels.
Ian commented
I like the challenge and going up the steps around the stadium on the steps challenge with David.
David also enjoys the session working with Ian
Working with Ian on the Fit to Tackle session has kept me active and fit and I’ve learnt so much in my role as Ian’s support through the garden project and now Fit to Tackle. I now do some of the exercises I’ve learnt in the session at home too.
Tom who leads the session for Livewire recently participated in a gruelling 12-hour step challenge for local charities using the steps at the Halliwell Jones stadium, which they use in Fit to Tackle sessions. Ian and David led from the front during the group slot to play their part in supporting Tom and keeping him going during such a physically demanding challenge.
Just another example of how people around MacIntyre are using their skills and passions to build connections in their local communities.
You can read all our Everyone Everywhere stories here.
