Here For You

We’ve loved working with Orford Hub for our swimming sessions. Our children have made so much progress and grown in confidence over the weeks. The staff are so helpful and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure every child feels safe, comfortable and able to achieve.

The swimming team at Orford explain things in a way that allows all children to understand, giving clear instructions. Some children were frightened to enter the water on week one and by the end of week ten they didn’t want to leave the pool. We cannot wait to continue working with the team.

I started with walking rugby and now also volunteer for sports and social sessions. I enjoy planning and leading warm-ups. I stay active by going to the gym at Orford three times a week and love the box fit classes.”

“I’m a rugby league fan and enjoy trying new activities. The social aspect is important to me and I love being part of the welcoming community at Orford where I’ve made friends through these projects.

I am still pinching myself that after a big dip in my swim confidence that I completed the whole event. Feeling really so happy.

Our granddaughter, Evie, has Dravet syndrome which is a severe form of epilepsy it also come with autism and limited mobility and learning difficulties. We can see how much Evie gets from the swimming sessions as when she is in the water you wouldn’t know she has mobility issues.”

“Evie gets so much from these pool sessions, and we would as family like to thank all the staff at the hub for their help with Evie especially when she has seizures in the pool.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and I never feel intimidated. At the beginning, I could only perform exercises at the edge of the pool but, with time, I’ve made significant progress and can now swim again, which is fantastic for me.

The staff at the hydrotherapy pool are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. They’ve been instrumental in my recovery journey. In addition, I’ve made some great friends while attending Aqua Relax sessions.

I’m a regular at walking rugby and sports social project. Love rugby and trying new activities like tennis, golf, netball, badminton, and table tennis. Meeting new people, having a laugh and keeping my competitive edge!

I thoroughly enjoyed Go-Tri. It’s so well organised but was made so much better by having the support from the LiveWire team. Even after the event receiving feedback from the team to encourage everyone and offer advice was amazing. It has definitely encouraged me to understand what I can work on but to also look forward to taking part again.

“I came into the library to look at the art books and found one that I particularly liked. It’s great because it’s very difficult for me to go out into the field to draw something so the locality of Penketh Library is vital to me. I found a scene in a book that appealed to me and it gave me inspiration. It helped me to choose the colours for the grasses, fields and the skies.

“I wasn’t too sure how to go about it but the books gave me an idea of where to start. It showed me that I had to draw them out in pencil on watercolour paper first. I started with the horizon and then I worked out where to put the trees and the bridge.”

Just wanted to say a big thank you – As the weather worsens and Mum has to spend more and more time indoors it starts to drive her ‘dolally’ (her word) because she needs things to keep her busy. This happens every year, but this will be so much worse and was a real concern to us both. Having a safely-procured supply of decent reading material (and another person to connect with) is a massive help. I’m so very grateful for all your time and thoughtfulness.

Mum’s quite used to being asked to show off her garden! You taking the time to do something like that is such a great way to build a connection and dispel any awkwardness, I’m sure. That’s where your approach really shines through….

Reading Friends is a lifeline and something to look forward to, after what could be a long isolated week. It is a breath of fresh air and a reason to look forward to coming and socialising. The library itself offers a wonder of reading opportunities to lift the spirits.

Reading Friends is an essential part of my life. I am totally dependent on meeting people here and though I am not absolutely housebound, I rely on this group for support. The library staff who run this group are excellent in allowing time if someone has a problem – they give time occasionally for “chat”. The library itself is always very welcoming – a relaxing place.

My two children and I use all the available facilities including the pool, gym and family community groups. I also volunteer with adult bingo. The hub provides our family with a fun, local and safe place. All members of the team are friendly and welcoming.

As a new mum of twins the libraries in Warrington have been a lifeline for me – giving me somewhere welcoming to take the babies – it gets us out of the house and helps me to meet other mums.

We love reading to them and they already seem to be listening to our voices and looking at the pictures.

I am so pleased with the progress I have made since using the gym at the Hub. Previously, I had to rely on my grandson to carry my shopping bags from the car into the house. However, after incorporating the gym into my routine, I am proud to say that I can now carry two bags of shopping on my own.