Are you 45+ with a warm and open manner, and an appreciation for the benefits of being active? We are looking for enthusiastic and caring people, who are confident in water, to join our friendly & sociable team of volunteers to support older adults (50+) to be physically active, and comfortable in a swimming pool environment, at one of our venues in Edinburgh. We’ll make sure that you receive training and support to enable you to have fun and succeed in making a difference with us. Buddy Swimming is for older adults who would like to swim but who have either lost their confidence, or perhaps due to ill health, are no longer able to swim on their own. Ageing Well volunteers - all of whom are older adults themselves – meet participants in the reception area prior to the session and give the necessary support both at poolside and in the pool to help participants regain their confidence whilst working on improving their strength, coordination, and flexibility. Volunteers say that they develop deeper connections within their communities, feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally; and are better able to manage health conditions such as stress. The project is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in older adults. Please check out our webpage for more information on our activities https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well

Lead or support activities for older people in local communities. Activities include walking, cycling, seated exercise, gardening, indoor curling, swimming, dancing and singing. A social element provides opportunities for participants to share experiences and develop new friendships. Many volunteers choose to undertake additional training to lead or support activities amongst their peers. Other volunteers help out supporting promotional events.

In the Movement For Memories programme you will have the opportunity to support those living with dementia to access physical activity opportunities. You will work on a 1:1 basis with a person living with dementia to help them access swimming, tennis, golf, the gym, or fitness classes. You will offer them support and encouragement to help them enjoy and participate in their chosen activity. You will also complete observation sheets so we can see how the participant is getting on.