Well, what a year it has been. I never thought when I officially took over as CEO in April 2021 we would be living through another year of Covid and all the challenges it has brought.
As we start to live in the ‘new normal’ we also need to acknowledge that change is inevitable, the world may never be the same again. I want to take this time to remember all those loved ones we have lost, their families who have coped with sadness and loss and anyone who is suffering the lasting effects of long Covid.
For Roar the change has been significant; with a change of 70% of our staff, a new CEO, new Financial Providers, new IT platforms, and new databases, as well as relocating our office to the Station Seven Community Hub in Johnstone.
However over the 2021-2022 year, we have built back up to a full team, settled in a fantastic new Community Hub, re-opened 7 clubs and exercise classes, re-started much missed in-person Befriending visits, and have started more new and exciting projects including our successful 80 and up project.
Our vital Footcare service has also expanded two-fold and we are currently exploring the ability to expand it further as we look to meet the huge demand from older adults across Renfrewshire. With toenail trimming being a proactive step in addressing an individual’s falls risk and keeping them out of hospital, we are keen to develop this service.
We have also facilitated a total of 12 students from both Glasgow Caledonian University and the West College of Scotland. These students have been fantastic ambassadors and have been loved by our service users, supporting our clubs, exercise classes and footcare services, as well as developing their own community interventions.
"Digital support has never been so critical as most things have moved online and we have been able to deliver classes in local libraries.
As the Chair of the Renfrewshire Community Falls Prevention group we have agreed our focus to reintroducing the crucial ‘Getting Up off the Floor’ training with key partners and will be looking at the importance of nutrition, preparing appropriate advice and signposting over the coming months.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all our funding partners, and our new and strong working partnership with Active Communities. I am more than confident this partnership will go from strength to strength and provide fantastic opportunities and positive change for our local community who rely on us every day.
Finally I want to thank our amazing staff and volunteers for their tremendous work over a very difficult and sustained period.
We are ‘Roaring’ again!"
Cassie Forbes
CEO
Roar - Connections For Life
Read more about our wonderful work in our 2021 - 2022 Annual Report