A participant who plays a key role in our Extra Time Hub, lunch and breakfast clubs and our allotment, Michael has been attending sessions for the last five years since he retired.

“It gave me something to do. I hadn’t really thought what I was going to do when I first retired and coming to the sessions spurred me on, having something to do and meeting new people.

“I’ve quite enjoyed it and it’s easy to do. I was doing a part time job after I left work, but they closed when the pandemic hit, so since then I have been coming to the sessions and cooking for the breakfast and lunch clubs.”

In the time he has been attending sessions his involvement has increased and he now supports our lunch and breakfast clubs by cooking the food that is shared with the community, he also plays an important role in encouraging people to get involved in both Extra Time Hub and the allotment.

“I get roped in. I have a wife that puts my name forward for everything. At times I need a push and she pushes me. It helps, doing things.

“Cooking comes natural for me; I did the breakfast club and people couldn’t believe how quickly I got it done. It’s second nature, you just get stuck in and do it.”

Michael has enjoyed his time at the sessions and has even seen the benefits of being more active.

“It’s a good laugh, you enjoy the people that are there. Health wise it keeps me fit. Sometimes with me knees I struggle but otherwise it’s good to keep my joints moving. I can use my common sense with it. I don’t do things that set my knees off, but I can still get involved in the sessions.”