Nottingham — Looking back, looking forward

It’s been a busy few months for the team and as we approach the end of the year, we reflected on some of our highlights this year and what we’re looking forward to in 2022.

Along with a number of partners and volunteers, we attended a wonderful Ageing Well Event in the city centre. This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our community services offer and highlight all the support we have available for older people in Nottingham and beyond.

Another highlight was the meeting of Marketa and Bill. Marketa, a Scottish volunteer who befriended Bill by telephone during the first lockdown, arranged a two-day visit to Nottingham in late summer to meet him for the first time. They spent both days sightseeing together, visiting the castle, the arboretum and other attractions. Bill was overwhelmed to finally meet Marketa, and said it was the best two days he’s had in the past two years!

We have heard countless, heart-warming stories from our volunteers about the older people they have supported throughout another difficult year. We have also welcomed many new community volunteers to the team in the past two months — and it has been wonderful to meet so many of you and welcome you to the team.

As we look ahead to 2022, we can all hope that there are brighter days ahead, with more freedom to support and connect lonely and isolated older people with their communities, lifting their spirits and building their confidence and wellbeing.

We’re also looking forward to getting out and about more in Nottingham next year and meeting more community volunteers. You, and the older people we serve, are at the heart of everything we do.