Activity Buddies was born out of Lockdown and consists of accompanied walking, exercise and craft classes to combat social-isolation and lack of exercise regimes. We have been running Activity Buddies in several different locations across Chorley since restrictions lifted but our offering is limited and there are obvious gaps in the services that we offer and what we should offer in the future. We have asked our beneficiaries what types of activities they would enjoy doing and how this would benefit their mental health, social isolation etc. It has become apparent that activities such as yoga, pilates, zumba and more complex craft classes would be really beneficial and popular to our beneficiaries in Chorley. We currently provide lunch socials but, due to lack of funding, we rely heavily on donations from our beneficiaries to enable us to continue providing the service. With this funding, it would enable us to offer this provision for free which would be inclusive to all.

What we'll deliver:

• Pay tutors to run 3 x activity classes per week for a year
• Room hire to run 3 x activity sessions per week for a year
• Promotional materials
• Staffing costs
• Lunches for weekly social for 40 people
• Room hire for lunch socials (3 hours per week)

Why it's a great idea:

Reduce social isolation, improve mental health, improve overall health, enable beneficiaries to make new friendships, provide paid and volunteering roles for the local community

Steps to get it done:

• Find tutors to deliver the sessions
• Book the room hire
• Promotional material/ timetable created and printed
• Advertise to beneficiaries
• Start classes/ lunches