Our association offers a wide range of opportunities for young and old. Interested? Just come by, get to know some of our projects, and find out what opportunities there are for you - it won’t cost you anything to have a closer look at what we do.

Community participation is a key determinant of health. When people have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community through volunteering and community action, or participate in their community by benefiting from local activities, they contribute to social cohesion and have improved levels of confidence, resilience, wellbeing and reduced levels of isolation.

Social cohesion helps to protect people and their health and is defined as ‘the quality of social relationships and the existence of trust, mutual obligations and respect in communities or in the wider society’.

A breakdown in social cohesion may reduce trust, increase violence, increase health conditions such as heart disease, poor mental health and poorer chances of survival after a heart attack.

Crime rates affect people’s sense of security and increase their experience of stress. Stress causes physical changes with potentially damaging health consequences. In areas with high levels of crime, people may be unwilling to participate in their community or to go outdoors for physical activity.

• Theme Community participation and feeling safe.

Wilkinson, R and Marmot M. 2003. Social Determinants of Health.

The Solid Facts. Second edition. WHO.

To a large extent, an association is given purpose through the commitment and enthusiasm of its members. Yet we are just as much indebted to our many sponsors and patrons, whose valued support ensures that our association remains active, alive and well.