Meet the Volunteers Making a Difference: Trafford Leisure Celebrates National Volunteers Week

As the UK marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteers Week (2nd-8th June), Trafford Leisure pays tribute to its volunteer team, who make a real difference to community health and wellbeing across the borough, helping to address the critical local challenge that 25% of the Trafford community are currently inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of activity each week.

Trafford Leisure, a community interest company wholly owned by Trafford Council, has developed a comprehensive volunteer programme that makes its facilities and health programmes more accessible and welcoming. The volunteers work across facilities in the borough in various roles including Move More Assistants, Swimming Inclusion Assistants, and Meet and Greet Swimming Assistants.

Eva, 51, exemplifies the transformative power of Trafford Leisure’s approach. Originally referred by her GP to help with her health issues, Eva was initially nervous about attending Physical Activity Referral (PAR) classes at Stretford Leisure Centre.

Eva explains: “The friendly PAR class and welcoming instructors quickly put me at ease. The tailored exercises improved my mobility, fitness and overall wellbeing, so I continued attending even after the 12-week programme ended.”

When asked to volunteer, Eva jumped at the chance to give back. She now helps instructors set up PAR classes, welcomes newcomers, and provides crucial support to participants who may be struggling.

“I hope I can be an inspiration to others, because if I can complete the referral programme and continue to make progress, then so can others. As a volunteer, I am there to reassure, support and encourage. Plus, I make the all-important teas and coffees for our post ‘work out’ sociable chat,” she says.

Whilst, Sue, 62, from Bowden Vale, Altrincham, demonstrates that retirement can be the beginning of a new chapter of community service. After more than 30 years as an NHS nurse, Sue retired in November 2024 and was looking for meaningful ways to contribute to her community.

Sue now volunteers weekly at Trafford Leisure’s specialist Falls Prevention classes, where her role involves setting up equipment, greeting participants, joining in with classes and providing general support. Having witnessed her own parents struggle with mobility as they aged, Sue understands the positive impact physical activity can have on aging well.

Sue says: “The classes help with mobility and balance. They boost confidence and provide social opportunities. The participants are an inspiration to us all!”

Stefanie Cooper, Active Volunteering Manager at Trafford Leisure says: “We are so grateful to our wonderful volunteers and are passionate about the difference our volunteer programme is having on our local community. We are always looking for like-minded individuals to help champion our community. Our volunteers are the friendly faces at our centres, welcoming customers and promoting health and wellbeing across Trafford.

“At Trafford Leisure we understand how daunting starting exercise can be, especially if you’ve not done it before or are coming back after injury or poor health. Our volunteers become our customers’ biggest cheerleaders, connecting with people personally, reassuring them and supporting them on their wellbeing journey. Our volunteers don’t need to be ‘sporty’ or have prior experience, what matters most is sharing the organisation’s values and ethos. Opportunities are flexible, and the company reimburses reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses.”

 

The volunteer programme is part of Trafford Leisure’s broader mission to inspire and create opportunities for the people of Trafford to move more and live longer, healthier and happier lives.