Impact

Prior to the Chair Yoga group I was virtually housebound as I suffer from COPD and use oxygen 24 hours a day. The class has made such a difference to my life. I can honestly say that both my mental and physical health has greatly improved over the last 12 months. The group leaders and the class members are all very friendly. I now feel much more positive about venturing out on my own with my oxygen, and my COPD consultant has informed me that my lung function has increased 100%. She attributes this to the yoga class. Thank you!

Margaret

The Tai Chi movements and awareness of breathing helps to lift my mood, keeps me calm and improves coordination. I am enjoying meeting new people and learning movements I can practice at home.

Rachel

Since returning to swimming, I have felt that my physical and mental health has improved with the added bonus of a nice warm pool and a relaxing atmosphere also with an understanding Instructor that is receptive to my physical needs in the pool.

Ian

I like writing my stories, it helps me read as well. I get to practice my reading. On Fridays I like to draw my stories, it makes them come to life.

Leeann

Good writing exercises, good laughs, and good company.

David

I like it because of the people I meet.

Gosha

I’ve been coming for a long time and I really do enjoy it. It’s my two hours of the week.

Anne

Motivates me to get out the house and meet new friends, and enjoy making art

Bruce

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 shared 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

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

Bill

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

Jack

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

Lesley

My carer suggested I join the reading and writing group. Being part of the group has taught me how to write essays and poems. It’s 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

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

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