Alice McIntosh

I very much enjoy the company and all the Tai Chi movements – all very helpful. Socialising is very important at this time when many are isolated.

Marion

Thanks to the Ecas grant we were able to source and pay for VR (virtual reality) equipment for my son Keir to use daily at home. After first using the headset at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation it was amazing to see how it helped him to get exercise. By exercising while seated, the severe pain that his condition creates is greatly eased. It has been a fantastic resource and helped him so much. We are so thankful and every single day we are seeing the results.

The Wallace family

It was always a great afternoon chatting with Stuart. I find our friendship to be very rewarding. It was a pleasure to be in the company of his character and good humour. We both shareed similar interests and managed to get out to watch his favourite football team play.

Michael

I met up again with my Befriender today and had an interesting and enjoyable walk in warm sunshine. I so appreciate his time and kindness. Thank you for making it all possible.

Ruth

Thank you Ecas for supporting us to go on a holiday. The cottage has been great – wheelchair accessible with amazing views around.

The Dukan family

Eilidh loves her trike. Being out and about together with the rest of the family on theirs has made a huge difference and is fantastic exercise for her.

The Anderson family

I have been a befriender for about two years. I visit an elderly lady and love the stories and chats we have over tea and biscuits. It’s a two-way exchange benefiting me as befriender and her as befriendee. I would recommend Ecas to anyone thinking of volunteering. It is so rewarding.

Moira

The art group has given me the opportunity to fulfil a dream.

Christine

Ecas has given me confidence, and the belief that I can achieve what I set out to do.

Bill

I didn’t have a lot of confidence about going into the sporting world or teaching but Ecas invited me to come along [to the swimming group] and it was really good for me.

Neil, swimming group leader

I hadn’t done any art since primary school and I’m now the proud owner of several nice pictures. A super group.

Christine

The class has given me the ability to use my hands to an extent that I was previously unable to do.

Jack

Ecas computer class is the best thing I have done in years. I did not think I would ever learn to use my tablet. The knowledgeable tutor is keeping me right. I am learning slowly, but surely …

Anne

It’s great to get out of the house to learn more about computing – much better than watching TV at home!

John

The Friday group is a very important part of the week. I meet friends, have fun and can be creative.

Lesley

We have a very supportive tutor. She gives us a lot of scope to do painting, art and also pottery. Being part of the craft group is so rewarding.

Ruth

Brilliant.

Kevin

The group is a lot of fun and full of talent. I enjoy playing different instruments, rediscovering songs from a long time ago and also new ones.

Christine

I’ve always thought literary people were above me. But when we read and talk about them, you discover that they are really quite like us.

Eileen

My carer suggested I join the reading and writing group. I didn’t hold out much hope… two years on and I am still there. Being part of the group has taught me how to write essays and poems. Its great fun hearing group members read out their written pieces. Outside Ecas, we meet socially and go out for coffees or to the cinema. I am glad to have become a member… I love it.

William

This group is a fantastic way to come together and talk about things: books, our lives, what’s important to us.

David

After only five weeks, I am surprised. Tai chi is easy to do. The benefits are less tension. It works and fully meets my needs.

Irene

Tai chi helps relax me – the tension just melts away. It has helped me regain movement in my left arm.

Danny

The body is more supple and the mind is less busy.

Barbara

Having the opportunity to get in the water and stretch my legs has helped me be more comfortable not only when in the pool but in my day to day life. The swimming group has definitely had a positive impact on me.

Colin

The swimming group has really helped me with my confidence in the water and has also helped me to get out and be more sociable.

Esther

We look forward to the class and the support we get from one another.

Hilda

The practising of relaxations and meditations helps to provide a sense of peace when there may be many things in our lives that are out of our control.

Verity

We feel confident now and realise we can do things we couldn’t do before but we can do them now!

Barbara

Thank you Ecas for supporting us to go on a holiday. The cottage has been great: wheelchair accessible with amazing views around.

The Dukan family

(My befriender) brings the outside world in.

Margaret

Having the opportunity to get in the water and stretch my legs has helped me be more comfortable not only when in the pool but in my day-to-day life.

Colin

The group is a fantastic way to come together and talk about things: books; our lives; what’s important to us.

David

Ecas computer class is the best thing I have done in years. I did not think I would ever learn to use my tablet.

Anne

Ecas: a good place to be.

Linda