Smiles, laughter and love

The community room at Windlehurst Methodist Church, part of the United Stockport Circuit, is filled with smiles and laughter each week when around a dozen people living with learning disabilities come together, each with a volunteer to support them, thanks to the on-going work of a church member.

Active at Windlehurst was started by Val Rowlands over 17 years ago. Before Val retired, she had a career as a physiotherapist working with people with learning disabilities. Val was concerned about the lack of community-based daytime activities for the people she worked with.

Val says, “Simultaneously the Minister, Stephen, and Deacon, Jenny, at Windlehurst Church wanted to have more outreach into the community as all activities were focused on members. A retirement idea formed! The suggestion of a weekly group for people with learning disabilities was greeted with great enthusiasm by Stephen and Jenny and by my physio colleague, Chris, who was also about to retire and offered to become a volunteer.”

From those early ideas, Active has become a well-established, highly regarded group within Windlehurst Church, the local community and the United Stockport Circuit. Members and volunteers join together in physical, educational and recreational activities interspersed with fun, love and friendship.

The sessions have a routine. On arrival members have a soft drink and a chance to chat 1:1 about any problems or worries they have had during the week. Once everyone has arrived and settled, the programme for the day is explained, members give their news and visitors are welcomed. Each Active member has a key volunteer for support as they enjoy art and craft, exercise, nature, baking, Tai Chi, singing and games. Even drama is on offer with previous themes featuring notable characters including Florence Nightingale, Thomas Telford and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“I'm amazed how much Active members learn and what they suggest. They have been wonderful fundraisers over the years, raising money for DEC appeals, Wood Street Mission (which supports local children living in poverty) and indeed for this church. Charities that members have mentioned have been explored and supported, including hearing dogs for people who are deaf, Fairtrade, hedgehog charities, the list is endless!”

“When we started, the plan was to meet for two years but I said 'we can't stop this',” says Val who celebrated her 80th birthday at Active in May with special celebrations. “There’s such a loving atmosphere, all the members really enjoy coming. We are extremely lucky with our volunteers, they are wonderful, each one bringing a special talent. I still wake on Thursday mornings thinking ‘ooh yippee, Active today. Even though it's hard work.”

Delores is an Active member and is very proud of her book showing what she has done in recent months with artwork and worksheets. “I like to come and play games and to see my friends,” she says.

Judy, another retired physio, says “It's the highlight of my week. I love these people. I worked with people with learning disabilities before I retired, had a break and came here to support them as a volunteer. It’s great fun.”

Katie Smith is the superintendent in the United Stockport Circuit and also one of those who volunteers and helps-out at the sessions. “However busy I am in the week, I try and get to Active, because it's such a happy place.

“The club is not faith based, though there are a few members who go to a church in their own right. We welcome those of all faiths. We are here to serve others, to care for the vulnerable and walk alongside those who might otherwise be on the margins.”

“I would encourage all churches to explore what can be done to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities," said Val. "Active has certainly enhanced the lives of our volunteers, this church, the families supporting our members and also the local community. One of the things that delights me is the increased understanding of people with learning disabilities within this church. Everyone is so proud and understanding of the work we do here."