Five volunteers at Southbury Leisure Centre have between them dedicated 45 years to helping older people stay fit

Anna Long picks up her award at Southbury Leisure Centre — Anna Long receives her volunteering award at Southbury Leisure Centre

Local volunteers have been recognised for their “outstanding work” helping older people at an Enfield leisure centre.

At a special event to launch leisure operator GLL’s new volunteering scheme, around 30 people came together at Southbury Leisure Centre to celebrate the work of five people who have given up their time supporting sports programmes for local seniors.

Enfield residents Anna Long, Brian Meakins, Roger Barnes, Shirley Cano and Richard Brooks have been volunteering at Southbury Leisure Centre for a total of 45 years between them, overseeing the senior programme social room and helping with walking netball and walking football sessions.

At this week’s event they were all given a certificate and “goody bag” containing a water bottle, pen, T-shirt and name badge.

Anna said: “I have been coming to Southbury Leisure Centre since the day it opened. I had recently lost my husband and wanted to do something to help my mental health.

“There was a time when I was running 29 classes a week and I’ve also organised holidays for the seniors and held some very successful fundraisers. Southbury has become my home and the participants who began as friends have now become family.”

GLL says it is now investing in its volunteer scheme by introducing new training to ensure that volunteers – who will now be known as ‘community ambassadors’ – feel fully supported, valued and celebrated.

Vishal Karia, GLL partnership manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to publicly thank our amazing volunteers for making Southbury’s senior sessions such a powerful force for community wellbeing. Thanks to their tireless efforts, they have reduced loneliness and improved social wellbeing for many older people.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with GLL should visit better.org.uk/jobs.

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