Volunteers mini conference day

Volunteers mini conference day

On a rainy Saturday morning in October, more than twenty of us got together to increase our knowledge and understanding at the Volunteers’ Mini-Conference. Many thanks to Highfield Church for hosting us.

The topics covered included a talk from Nutritionist Annemarie Aburrow from Bournemouth University on the newly developed Nutrition Wheel for looking at malnutrition in the elderly. Whilst we don’t seek to act in a health delivery way, this is still very interesting background information, especially for those of us involved in Lunch Clubs. For this part of the day we were also joined by people from City Catering, Saints Foundation, Good Life Sorted and the Sunday Lunch Project, who all have overlapping interests. Annie’s take home piece of information was: In later life (so 70+) having a slightly higher BMI than recommended in earlier years is probably a good thing! She has taken this to heart and is carefully checking that hers doesn’t fall too low as, she approaches that time!

After a welcome refreshment break we then had a very practical, down to earth presentation from Jackie Robinson, a highly experienced Development Officer in Adult & Social Care on the topic of safeguarding. Using some actual examples of situations we have encountered she gave us some really helpful hints and tips on what to do to ensure that we keep ourselves and those we are supporting as safe as we can.

Apart from a very useful time of learning together this was also an opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends.

Vicky is now working towards our next conference scheduled for April. Do let us know if there are any topics you would like covered.