Jason Stanton / photo: MyTIME ACTIVE
I read with interest the research by Savanta, on behalf of UK Active, that 78 per cent of respondents cited improving their mental health and wellbeing as a reason to take out a gym membership, while 43 per cent said going to the gym helps them make new friends.
It’s positive news that people are seeing that accessing physical activity is about much more than just getting ‘fit.’ However, if operators really want people to keep coming, we have to prioritise and deliver opportunities for making friends and eliminating social isolation when they come through our doors.
At Mytime Active we’ve found the key to unlocking this need for friendship, particularly for those who may be more vulnerable, such as older people who are inevitably more likely to live alone, introducing a ‘Buddy’ scheme for our Primetime (over 60s) members.
Primetime buddies are volunteers, who are positive role models who understand the fears and challenges older people may feel and can give peer-to-peer information, help and support to our customers.
The buddies are an approachable, friendly and welcoming face. You can’t miss them in bright purple buddy T-shirts – they’re the first faces people see when they come through our doors. They also keep a look-out for anyone who’s unwell, nervous or needs help if they’re struggling in a class.
Our army of volunteers ensure a buddy is available at every class to help foster friendships.
We know it works because our customers tell us, with comments such as “Being a buddy is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I feel I’m doing a worthwhile job and get a lot of satisfaction.”
For many of our customers it’s been a lifeline after their partners have died. Making friends can be difficult at any age and I’m proud that many of our Primetime members tell me they consider each other to be like family.
We have to prioritise and
deliver opportunities
for making friends and
eliminating social isolation