The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Neston Angels Take to the Water

Neston Angels clients and befrienders had a wonderful cruise along the canal from Christleton to Tattenhall on Monday 4th June thanks to the Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust.

The Trust offered a free trip this year for up to 24 people, and Neston Angels were thrilled to have the opportunity to get clients and their befrienders together for such a jolly outing.

The Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust's specially adapted narrowboats allow anyone with limited mobility to enjoy a trip, so it was perfect for Neston Angels clients, some of whom rarely get to go out on trips. They were joined by a small group from the Alzheimer's Society, who helped celebrate Neston Angels befriender Irene Harris's 80th birthday.

Irene was presented with a cake and flowers on the boat, and everyone enjoyed a glass of bubbly and sang Happy Birthday. Irene was also presented with a certificate to say that she has been shortlisted for Chester Voluntary Action's Older Volunteer Award.

Irene was nominated for the Award for her service to older people in the area. She has volunteered for Neston Angels since June 2016, and in that time has been a befriender to three isolated older people in Neston. She currently visits Harry, aged 87, and has hugely improved his quality of life. When Harry was first introduced to Irene in March 2017, he had had a few falls and had lost his confidence in going out on his own. With Irene's support, Harry now goes regularly to local luncheon clubs, Senior Matinees at NCYC, and has begun to go out independently again, taking bus trips to West Kirby and Birkenhead.

Happy birthday Irene and congratulations on your nomination!

Another Neston Angels client who came on the trip has hardly been out of the house for the last two years, and another client has a fear of water, so it was a remarkable achievement by their befrienders to get them out and on the canal enjoying themselves.

The whole trip was only made possible by the many Neston Angels befrienders and administration volunteeers who helped with transport, along with all the volunteers from the Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust, which is entirely volunteer-run.

If you could volunteer a few hours a week as a befriender, or know anyone who would benefit from a regular visit, please call Zaria, Community Activities Co-ordinator at Neston Community Youth Centre on 0151 336 7805 or email zaria@nestoncyc.org.uk.

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