Isle of Whithorn Youth Club - Food Tasting "I'm a Celebrity" style!

Last night the members of the older youth group at the Isle of Whithorn entered into a food eating challenge based on "I'm a Celebrity". The young people were split into 2 teams and were set 14 different food challenges.

The challenges included such delights as Chocolate Sprouts, Stinky fish (Anchovies), Jellied worms (Spaghetti) and coloured Boiled Eggs. Although a bit of a problem for some, everyone did really well and Snake Rock came out the winners and have chosen to cook Chicken Wraps at the next Healthy Eating event in 2018.



Great fun for all and thanks to the youth worker volunteers Kay and Cassie for their assistance.

Building Healthy Communities Machars Evaluation

This month, Building Healthy Communities Machars have been evaluating the effects of attending the Health Initiatives that are run in the area. The Initiatives aim to improve Health and Wellbeing, Socialisation and reduce Loneliness and Isolation.
Please read the comments below re the benefits of joining a community group. (click on images to view in full size)

Isle of Whithorn Dancercise - quotes from members

Following on from the video posted 2 weeks ago, here are some great quotes from the members of the Dancercise group at the Isle of Whithorn:

"Helps with exercise routine and socialising, having fun"

"Missed quite a lot of classes due to illness but was welcomed back with such enthusiasm it really helps in your recovery. Living alone, it is very encouraging to have a group of friends. This class ticks all the boxes. Fun, friends and fitness."

"When I started Pam’s classes I had not much movement in my knee owing to arthritis, still have a bit of restriction but lots better."

"Meeting up with friends, enjoying the exercise, having a laugh, meeting new people, lovely venue and coffee"

"It always gives me a boost both physically and mentally".

"Keeps me fit and moving, have made new friends and definitely feel better for it. Hate to miss a week for really do benefit from it both socially and physically."

"The exercise helps me to maintain mobility and assists weight loss, essential in easing arthritis & type 2 diabetes controls."

"Recovering from hip op, is helping to move."

"I am neither a dancer nor an exerciser and started attending with some apprehension. However it is a relaxed and pleasant session and I am enjoying it very much. I am elderly and live alone so it not only keeps me moving but provides social contacts as well."

"We have a coffee before class (some do this after) and have a natter and catch up. Problems and pains & people all get sorted out."

Login & Connect - quotes from members & video clip

The members of the Login & Connect took part in an evaluation of the group and were able to score its effectiveness and benefits. The feedback was very positive and included quotes such as:

"Everyone’s very helpful. I have learned a lot of information - thank you"

"No matter what you cannot do on the computer the guys will help you resolve the problem"

"BHC staff/volunteers are helpful at fixing problems with machines"

"Makes me feel good helping others"

"Made me more confident"

"The class is very good I find everyone very helpful. I have made a lot of good friends"

"It’s making folks well – when you are on your own it’s uplifting. I don’t have a gadget but I come for the company."

"I get so much out of this group and all are very helpful."

"Attending BHC initiatives and activities has given me something to look forward to every week, meeting lots of new friends and helpers who are all so friendly, helpful - thank you."

You can view a quick clip of last week's by clicking here

Isle of Whithorn Art Group

Yesterday, the members were visited by Samantha and Nathalie and took part in a 3 to 6 months evaluation.  Their feedback was very positive.  Comments showed the social and health benefits they have gained since attending the group, such as:
It makes me be more sociable and gets me out of the house.  I always feel better after having been to the class.
Lot less depressed, more outgoing, not had to go to Dr's last 4 months.  Made lots of new friends and interests.
The group is very friendly and helpful and it's nice to get out and meet people.  Plus to show that not all teenagers play on phones all day!
We keep in touch outside the group and take part in shows and exhibitions.  I have not visited the doctor in the last 9 months.  I have benefitted greatly from the group.
Below are the various projects the members were working on.

Monday Club - 6th November

This week at the Monday Club, the members made Christmas Cards. Lynn Wheatley and Lesley Bradley-Brophy (BHC Volunteer) provided materials to make Christmas Cards. All the cards made looked wonderful. 

At our next meeting, Monday 20th November, Shona Powell, local Yoga Instructor, has kindly agreed to deliver a taster session.  We will also be planning our programme for 2018. Everyone is welcome.

 

 

 

 

Isle of Whithorn Dancercise Routine!!

Today, as part of an evaluation, the members kindly agreed to showcase one of their dance routines.  Some members attend on a regular basis and some as and when they can, but as the video shows everyone gave a great performance.
To view the video, click here

Login & Connect - visit from Visibility UK

Members of the Login & Connect Group were given an insight into accessible technology last week.  Several helpers from a local charity - Charlotte, Tommy and Annette - who themselves have sight loss, were on hand to demonstrate how they can use tablets, computers and phones even if they cannot see the screen at all.

Using a combination of Siri (talking to the phone), VoiceOver (the phone talking to you) and built-in features that enable you to zoom and magnify, the three Visibility helpers shared with those in attendance how they've adjusted to life with low vision by saying 'Aye' to iPads and getting clever about their smartphone.  Visibility staff member Craig MacLagan also demonstrated some accessible apps to the group.  These free additions can enable phones to scan and recognise text, which can then be read back to the user, or help when shopping by scanning barcodes and relaying what the item is aloud.

Visibility, one of Scotland's oldest charities, offers a 'Try Before You Buy' scheme in Dumfries & Galloway and has a number of iPads and iPhones which can be loaned for a month to anyone with sight and/or hearing loss who wishes to learn how to use this technology but doesn't currently have the means to practice or learn.  Staff and supporters from Visibility will be at the meetings on 8th November and 13th December to offer specific advice and tuition for anyone living with, or interested in, sight loss and how to get the most out of accessible technology.

Falls Prevention Exercises for Older People

Following from the Older People's Day, last Monday 2nd October, below is a link for 6 simple exercises you can do in your own home, as recommended by Physiotherapists, to help your muscles stay strong. To view video, click here

Dancercise - Newton Stewart

A well attended and vibrant session of dancercise was held yesterday at the Newton Stewart Centre.


Tutor Pam guided the group through a variety of dances to encourage movement and enjoyment.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Wednesday Mornings, 11.30 - 12.30.

Login & Connect - Newton Stewart

Yesterday was a busy morning with lots of little problems coming to the group including loss of Facebook page, problems connecting phones and a very slow Laptop. At the end of the session, most people went away happy after a productive and very social morning.

Login & Connect is on every Wednesday at the Newton Stewart Centre, (the hut) from 10.30 - 12.30.

Monday Club - Healthy Eating Workshop

On Monday, the members of the club had an opportunity to cook Chicken and Chorizo Pasta from scratch.

After an introductory talk, everyone gathered their ingredients and cooked with impressive and tasty results. It was a really good session!  The recipe is below.

Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

Ingredients per person: 

3ozs cooked pasta

Tbs olive oil

3ozs cooked chicken breast sliced

1 oz chorizo chopped

1 clove garlic

1/2 red chilli

1/2 red onion

1/4 red pepper

4 or 5 cherry tomatoes

3oz crème fraiche

Tsp red pesto

Splash lemon juice.

Method:

Heat oil in pan and cook chorizo and chicken for 3 to 4 minutes so oils are released and chicken browns.

Roughly chop onions and peppers, finely chop garlic and chilli. add to pan and cook for 3 - 4 mins.

Add tomatoes and cook until skins start to burst.

Add crème fraiche, pesto and lemon. cook through.

Add pasta, and toss in mixture until warmed through. Serve!

The next meeting of the Monday Club is 23rd October!

Older People's Day 2nd October

Monday Club - African Drumming

On Monday morning we had another enjoyable Monday Club meeting, the Stranraer Drum For Fun came along to give members a chance to have a go making music with African drums, various shakers, brushes and the balafon.

To view a short video of this great activity, click here

 At our next meeting on Monday 2nd October we are having Dave from Building Healthy Communities, giving us a healthy cooking session. Hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Isle of Whithorn Youth Club - Healthy Eating!!

Over the last 2 weeks, Building Healthy Communities have attended the Isle of Whithorn youth Groups to promote Healthy Eating.

The younger group, aged 5 - 9, all had an opportunity to make a Yummy Fruit Pizza. Using a slice of watermelon as a base, the children then had a choice of many different fruits to decorate their base with. Some of the results can be seen below.

This is a great way to entertain young children and give them the chance to eat a variety of different fruits.



The older group, aged 9 - 13, had a cooking activity where they all made their own Chicken Chow Mein. This involved them using knives correctly, slicing vegetables and following a recipe before cooking all to make a tasty dish!!

All of the young people had a great time, learning how to cut correctly and cook in a methodical way.

The next session at the Isle of Whithorn will be at the end of November when the young people will be given a taste challenge!!!

Looking forward to the next visit and a big thank you to the volunteer helpers for assisting.

A bigger thank you goes to the 8 young people who made the evening so enjoyable for them and for myself!

(Click on the pictures to enlarge)

NHS Dumfries & Galloway Annual Review 2016-2017

Community Information Event - Evaluation

There was a very good turnout at the Community Information Event held in Newton Stewart on Monday with many organisations reporting a lot of interest in their services.


Comments from organisations included:

"A good chance to network with organisations and provide information to those who attended"

"Very busy, well publicised, Great turnout of organisations and members of the public"

"Gave the opportunity to network with other organisations.  Also introduced lots of people to our organisation and the services we offer"

Comments from individuals included:
"Very informative, a good thing if ever I, friends & neighbours require help"

"It was very useful to meet people from different organisations"

Thanks to all who attended on the day.

Community Information Event - 4th September 2017

Newton-O-Poly

Whithorn & Garlieston Primary School

Isle of Whithorn Arts Group

One of the new members to the group, Maggie, who in her own words is a "Non Artist", has produced some work that she is really pleased with.

Maggie joined the group a few weeks ago and with some help and guidance from Joan has created and framed some work that she is really proud of. Well done Maggie!!

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

40,000 Views

Today we have seen another milestone for the BHC Machars Blog.....40,000 page views!!!

Thanks to everyone for continuing to look at the exciting things that are going on in the Machars.

Summer Arts Fayre - Whithorn

Newton Stewart Dancercise

This new initiative is becoming very popular, with 5 members of the Login & Connect taking part along with 4 new members.  The group is being taught various dance routines, some more challenging than others and is proving successful and very enjoyable by all involved, including those who are less mobile.

Login & Connect

Over the last 2 weeks, the group have welcomed new members as well as individuals interested in the Dancercise who come along for a cuppa and a chat beforehand. 


The group is very interactive and members enjoy catching up with each other's latest news as well as getting some assistance with their devices.

Jills of all Trades

The Jills are getting prepared to assist a member of the community with the painting of their kitchen. This will involve filling in small holes and scratches and then a coat of paint or 2 to brighten up the area.

Below are Claire and Mary of the Jills practising their filling skills in preparation for the decorating.


The Jills meet every Thursday at 12 O'Clock at the workshop in Whithorn.

If you know someone who may benefit from a bit of help in their home, then please contact the BHC Office on 01988 501111

Monday Club Healthy Cooking Workshop

At the beginning of July, the members of the Monday club were involved in a cooking workshop where they had a chance to cook Pork or Beef  and Orange stir fry.

The room was set up to allow all 12 members to cook, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the session.

Pam was at hand to deliver gentle exercise and the group all went home happy.





There will be no Monday club events in August and the next meeting will be on September 4th when local organisations are being invited to show the club what they have to offer.