New Years Resolutions
Early 2024, the Dates-n-Mates Stirling and Clackmannanshire team asked members if they had any goals or resolutions that we could help them achieve. Members mentioned:
- trying new food, joining a gym and visiting new places.
The Dates-n-Mates team have taken these goals on board when planning the monthly event schedules. Members were able to accomplish something they’ve always wanted to try with the support of other members and the enjoyment of doing it together with friends.
At Dates-n-Mates Stirling & Clackmannanshire, we want to empower our members to develop their confidence to try new things and to encourage them to go places and do things they may have been too nervous to do alone.
New food
In March we tried a new cuisine (food) together. We pitched various different restaurants in the Stirling area, including Indian, Chinese, Greek and Italian… most members had tried Indian, Chinese and Italian food before so were keen to try somewhere new.
So we booked in for an evening meal at a local Greek restaurant.
Everyone loved the food, even one member who always eats the same meal at every meal out, tried something new and thoroughly enjoyed his meal! Members had gyros, salads, souvlaki and indulged in some home baked Greek cakes!
During the meal, members were discussing returning to the Greek restaurant independently. They spoke about getting a sharing platter to share between them so they could try more.
This was a huge success for our members who had never tried a certain type of food to then be planning their return. Members commented how much they enjoyed the night, trying something new with a big group of people all doing the same.
After the meal, 3 of our members, Jean, Daniel and Peter went across the road to a local pub for a drink together before heading home
Gym and Fitness
In April, we attended a gym induction together at the Peak in Stirling.
Some members mentioned wanting to lose weight. We agreed to try out the gym together on the basis that moving our bodies is not only beneficial for those kind of personal goals but also vital in improving and maintaining our emotional and mental wellbeing,
Often attending a gym can be a very daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time there… so we went together.
Upon arriving at the gym, one of our members, Jennifer, had said she felt very nervous being in the gym environment… Event Lead, Kerry, stuck by Jennifer’s side so she didn’t feel isolated.
We met the trainer who was giving us our induction and members began their session on various cardio machines that were best suited to their individual abilities. It took approximately 3 minutes for Jennifer to come out her shell and feel comfortable again!
The trainer explained to members how the gym was an environment for everyone. Members with walking aids were given areas beside each machine to park up their walkers. Members ended up having competitions with one another to see who could get the most reps on the leg press!!
It was great seeing the members interacting in an environment that seemed daunting at first but growing in confidence they were able to navigate the gym and the machines to their pleasing.
Two members discussed signing up to the gym together with the trainer. The following day, we received a message from member, Ellie’s support staff asking if she could join the other two members when they arrange to go to the gym. This is huge for Ellie who has often been shy and reserved to now be actively seeking out friends to do things with outside of events!
Going new places
Another goal we were asked to help members achieve was to visit new places. We asked members where they would like to go – somewhere they have never been but always fancied visiting. We made a list of near-by places that were accessible to get to within a day.
The winning ‘new place’ was.. Dundee!
Collectively, we discussed and agreed on the transport options.
Everyone was in great spirits when we met at 9am and excited about the day ahead!
Once we arrived in Dundee, we grabbed a coffee together after our long journey. We then headed to the V&A Museum via the town centre so we could see the famous Beano statues and stop for photo opportunities!
At the V&A, members were given the choice to either visit the free parts of the museum, or they could pay £9 to visit the exhibition “Kyoto to the Catwalk”. Some members chose to pay for the exhibition whilst others were content to just look through the museum at their own leisure.
After the museum, we headed back to the bus station… stopping in to a bakery for some famous Dundee cake!
Everyone loved their day – commenting on how nice it was to be somewhere different and new.
One member’s support staff said: “I am so happy and proud of everyone, all of the members they just take everything in their stride and make everyone feel welcome… nothing is ever a bother…everyone is treated the same and totally accepted. An amazing bunch of people. It was a lovely day out, and something so different”
