People looking to beat the boredom of isolation are invited to visit the Virtual Village Hall, a new programme of online activities to join in with at home.
Designed by Royal Voluntary Service, the national charity, the Virtual Village Hall (royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/VVH) is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and features themed video sessions led by expert tutors, TV and radio personalities, and Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinators and volunteers. Live and pre-recorded sessions take place daily and include exercise and dance, music and singing, relaxation and meditation, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, technology skills, gardening and more. New sessions are added regularly.
Some sessions include downloadable guides to print and share and there are links to official government guidelines and Covid 19 information.
The charity’s hundreds of social clubs and groups, all organised by volunteers, are unable to meet during this time so the Virtual Village Hall programme is designed to bring people together to enjoy activities at the same time, to keep active and interested, and to have fun. Thousands of people are taking part in Virtual Village Hall activities in their own homes and in care homes.
The Virtual Village Hall is available via the Royal Voluntary Service website, on Facebook and on the Virtual Village Hall YouTube channel.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Our volunteers run hundreds of clubs and groups in local communities which, with the support of People’s Postcode Lottery, support people to be social and active. Sadly, at this time, these activities can’t go ahead. This is a tough time for many, particularly those living alone, and we want to offer something practical to relieve the sense of isolation and boredom that many will be experiencing. Visitors to the Virtual Village Hall will find lots of activities that they might already enjoy doing, as well as new things to try.”
Hazel Johnstone, Senior Programmes Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We’re delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Royal Voluntary Service and the Virtual Village Hall. Keeping busy and maintaining a sense of routine have been shown to be helpful in supporting mental health and wellbeing during this time, and learning new skills benefits all of us, whatever our age.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals and in the community. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals. To find out more about the Virtual Village Hall, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/VVH