Ellerslie Cricket Club in West Bridgford has received vital funding from Reach Rushcliffe to help develop new sessions to reduce social isolation for residents aged over 50.
Ellerslie Cricket Club has received funds that will assist with the development of their walking cricket activity for residents in this age group, who may be at risk of social isolation and loneliness, in line with Rushcliffe Borough Council’s initiative which launched last year.
The club has utilised the funds to buy vital equipment for the sessions which begin with an open day on Sunday, May 23 from 9.30am to 12pm at their base at Little Bounds, off Wilford Lane.
The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment Cllr Abby Brennan met with the club’s Vice President Nisha Parekh, committee member Bob Garland and coach Duncan Martindale to hear more about how the funding will help them.
Cllr Brennan said: “I’m delighted that Reach Rushcliffe has been able to support Ellerslie Cricket Club with the development of their new walking cricket sessions.
“As we continue to adapt to the government road map, it’s brilliant to be able hold more events safely and activities such as this are vital in helping those at risk of social isolation and loneliness.
“Local clubs and groups will continue to provide a lifeline to their local community and it’s great to see Ellerslie offer these sessions for residents over 50 who I’m sure will thoroughly enjoy what they have to offer.
“We would encourage any organisations also looking to safely reduce social isolation in their part of Rushcliffe to apply for funding through Reach Rushcliffe by visiting www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/health/reachrushcliffe/.”
Nisha said: “It is brilliant to have received funding from Reach Rushcliffe which means we can purchase essential equipment for our walking sessions.
“We aren’t just a sports club here at Ellerslie, we are a community hub with our walking cricket activities aimed particularly at improving the mental and physical health of those aged over 50.
“We would love to invite residents to our first taster session on Sunday, so if you’d like to come along and have a go, please email nnews_5@yahoo.com. Previous experience, kit and skill are very much optional, and all activities will take place with a soft ball.”
