Community champions are volunteers helping people in Wandsworth to be happier and healthier by talking about preventable illnesses, encouraging the use of health services, and telling authorities what works for real people. This way, locals can get the help they need before illness becomes more serious and potentially life-threatening.

From 2022/23 WCA worked with Elays Network, a charity that works with the Wandsworth community to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities. Elays Network used a grant fund to recruit 9 Champions: 3 young people, 3 men (aged 34-40) and 3 women (aged 30-50). Their ethnic backgrounds included Arab, Northern African, Somalian and Middle Eastern, and they spoke 9 different languages between them.

By being diverse like the group that they were serving, the Champions knew more about the issues affecting the community and could build trust much quicker. Local people felt much more comfortable talking to people that looked or sounded like them, went to the same places, perhaps knew the same people and community spaces.

The Champions were trained by a local Somalian GP. They learnt how it was better to address and reduce preventable health conditions rather than leave it until it became too late and try to treat the problem. This attitude from the Champions has given participants the knowledge that it is easier to get guidance and medication at an earlier stage, and the Champions believe they will see a decrease in severe symptoms and overall cases over a longer period of time.

One issue they found was that there were lots of gyms available, but they were generally very expensive for most people, or extremely busy and put-off newer, less-confident members. As a result, the Champions managed to find a women’s only activity session every Tuesday and Friday which was much less busy, and the single-sex event helped many women to join.

The Champions also helped start a weekly yoga session followed by a chat and a hot drink for women in the local community. One woman has shared that this session has made her feel younger, allowed her to be more able to do her day-to-day activities and is generally much happier. Another participant even described the programme as having changed her life.

*The Champions have supported health sessions with Healthwatch Wandsworth and Wandsworth Workmatch.

Through their work, the Elays Network Community Champions have taken a holistic, whole person health approach and have been able to connect with a diverse and wider network of people in their community.

We have lots of exciting volunteering related events coming up! Be sure to get involved and don’t miss out on a great opportunity to network and meet new people.

Volunteers thank you event, Monday 3^rd June:


This event is for both Wandsworth Care Alliance and Healthwatch Wandsworth volunteers to come and celebrate all their fantastic contributions.

Join us for activities and games to encourage reflection on volunteering and to connect with fellow volunteers. There will also be a raffle for tickets to exhibitions and events in London!

Feel free to drop in for part of the event or join us from start to finish. If you require any accessibility adjustments, please let us know.

Sign up here.

Voluntary Sector Forum, Wednesday 5^th June:



This event is for both volunteers and organisations to join in on our discussion of all things volunteering.

Join us for a forum meeting with special guests to discuss all things volunteering. We’ll be inviting local experts to host discussions about all aspects of volunteering from:

– Engaging businesses

– Working with funders

– Hearing from volunteers themselves

You’ll get to learn new skills and meet other organisations over refreshments to talk about challenges, opportunities, and new ways of working to engage people in our causes.

Save your spot here.

Volunteer involving organisations, Wednesday 3^rd July:


This event is for organisations who would like to learn more about how best to engage volunteers in their organisation.

Join us to learn useful tools and tips for engaging volunteers with benefits, find out where to get more support and resources, and meet other people working on volunteering.

Save your spot.

Stress is something we all feel sometimes, and some stress is normal. However, when it becomes regular and makes day-to-day tasks feel impossible to handle, that’s when we need to take appropriate actions to help us better manage it.

Here are a few tips that may help in managing your stress levels.

• Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity like walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing to release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers.
  

• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid lots of caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase stress.
  
  
• Time management: set tasks in order and set realistic goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Break tasks into smaller, simple steps.
  
  
• Practice mindfulness or meditation: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation to create a sense of calmness and focus.
  
  
• Connecting with others: Share your feelings with friends, family, a support group, or anyone you trust. Social connections can provide emotional support and comfort during stressful times.
  
  
• Setting boundaries: Learn to say no to additional responsibilities if you’re feeling overloaded. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout.
  
  
• Taking regular breaks: Include short breaks in your day to rest and recharge. Even a few minutes of relaxation can help reduce stress levels.
  
  
• Hobbies: Give time to activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, playing music, dancing, or other sports. Hobbies can provide a much-needed escape from stress.
  
  
• Seek professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor who can provide coping methods and support tailored to your needs.

Remember that managing stress is an ongoing process, and it’s important to find techniques that work best for you.

Resources:

Wandsworth wellbeing hub – This is a great resource sharing various health and wellbeing services in the Wandsworth Borough. Learn more.

Events:

Walk Wandsworth: An event hosted by Enable offering a free walk led by volunteers, guiding, and encouraging people to build up their physical activity at a pace that suits them. Learn more here.

Women’s dance class: A Women’s Dance Class is taking place at Roehampton Holy Trinity Church on Friday evenings from 19th April. It’s suitable for all levels and is a mix of jazz, contemporary and ballet.
To learn more and to book your place contact: verenanash@hotmail.com

Free guys get active programme: A free 12-week health programme for men of all abilities who live or work in Wandsworth.
Learn more.

Live karma yoga: A range of different yoga classes adults and children.
Learn more.

Deaba’s Lunch: On the first Friday of every month, open to all members of the community to come along and talk, meet new people and eat food. Contact: 02072283488 or 07931234776 or email deaba@deabascatering.co.uk.

Free salsa dance classes: Free weekly beginners and improvers level salsa classes for anyone looking to learn the basics, scrub up their salsa skills, get active and meet new people. 
Learn more and get your tickets.

Do you have more resources to share on this article? Please email us on communications@wandcareall.org.uk to share resources.