Local retirement housing is looking for new volunteers to help expand the social activities offered to tenants.

Bield Housing & Care are appealing for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help out with the engaging programme at The Knowe, a retirement development in Kennoway, Fife.

The social activity programme was introduced in line with Bield’s “free to be” ethos, which lets people make their own decisions about how they live their lives while also being there to support them when they need it.

Volunteers only need to give up a few hours once a week to help out with a range of activities that have a hugely positive impact on the residents, such as games and bingo afternoons and coffee mornings.

Many of the tenants feel that the social activities available to them at the development are important for getting them out of the house and socialising within the community.

Scheme manager, Rae England, agrees that this programme is vital in enhancing their quality of life.  Rae said: “This programme, whether it’s a bingo night or just time spent catching up, really enriches the lives of our tenants.

“We are constantly striving to adapt, evolve and enhance the social activities that we can provide for the tenants in Kennoway.  It is always worth it to see them enjoying themselves and having fun.

“The support they receive from the volunteers encourages them to continue to socialise and interact with the other tenants.  It gives them a real sense of community.”

Bield is a registered charity that came from humble beginnings, starting out with just one development in Bo’Ness to become a major of a wide range of housing and services for around 20,000 older people across 22 local authority areas.

If you are over 16 and interested in becoming part of team dedicated to enriching the lives of older people in Scotland, please get in touch.  For more information, call Rae England on 01333 351 419.