Trafford Leisure Launches Volunteer Programme to Inspire Healthier, Happier Communities

Trafford Leisure has launched a new volunteer programme in a bid to make its facilities and health programmes more accessible and more welcoming. The programme’s aim is to inspire and create opportunities for the people of Trafford to move more and live longer, healthier and happier lives.

 

Trafford Leisure is a community interest company wholly owned by Trafford Council, which manages leisure in Trafford on behalf of the council, using any profits and assets for community benefit. The organisation is looking to recruit volunteers in a variety of roles across its sites in Urmston, Altrincham, Stretford, Sale and Partington.

 

Stefanie Cooper, Active Volunteering Manager, Trafford Leisure says: “We are excited about our new volunteer programme and are looking for like-minded individuals to help champion our community. Our volunteers will be the friendly faces at our centres, welcoming customers and promoting health and wellbeing across Trafford.

 

“Unfortunately, today 25% of the Trafford community are inactive, doing less than 30 mins of activity each week. 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 will become our customers biggest cheerleaders, as they will connect with people personally, reassuring them and supporting on their wellbeing journey.”

 

Trafford Leisure’s volunteer roles include Move More Assistants, who help create an enjoyable environment for participants in gentle exercise classes, assist with the set-up and pack-down of any equipment, and provide refreshments after the session. Swimming Inclusion Assistants will play a key role in supporting disabled young participants during Alpha Disability Swim Lessons, ensuring they feel comfortable and engaged while assisting the swim teachers in delivering fun and inclusive sessions. Additionally, Meet and Greet Swimming Assistants will help new young learners feel at ease and have a positive experience during their first swimming lesson.

 

Stefanie continues: “You don’t need to be ‘sporty’ or have any prior experience to become a volunteer. It’s more important that you share our values and ethos. To apply you will need to fill in a short form with your contact details and why you’re interested in volunteering. We’ll get in touch with you to talk more about the role. Opportunities are flexible and Trafford Leisure will reimburse reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses.”

 

Eva, 51, became a Trafford Leisure volunteer after a personal health journey. She explains: “My GP referred me to Trafford Leisure to help with health issues, and although I was nervous at first, the friendly PAR (Physical Activity Referral) class and welcoming instructors at Stretford Leisure Centre 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, I jumped at the chance to give back. As a Trafford Leisure volunteer, I help the instructor set up the PAR class, welcome people to the session, and support anyone if they are 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.

 

“Stretford Leisure Centre has been life changing for me, and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys meeting people and supporting others to consider volunteering.”

 

If you would like to volunteer with Trafford leisure, then you can apply online here:

 

https://traffordleisure.co.uk/jobs/volunteering-with-trafford-leisure