An Edinburgh community social group is looking to grow its membership. Out and About in Edinburgh was set up by Royal Voluntary Service, the national volunteering charity, with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The group meets twice a month at Café Connect at the Eric Liddell Centre, Morningside Road, EH10 4DP, before heading off to visit a wide variety of local places of interest by bus.
Each outing includes some gentle exercise like a short walk and an opportunity to socialise over light refreshments.

Destinations visited to date include a walk along the Water of Leith, guided tours of Saint Giles and the Scottish Parliament and a cruise along the Union Canal.

The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, leaving Café Connect at 10am and returning by 1pm.

Group members or ‘friends’, as they are called, must be able to get on and off a bus and to walk short distances.

New members are welcome to bring along a family member, friend or carer for their first outing. There is a voluntary donation of £1 per outing which goes towards future outings and the group’s small running costs.

Jan Corbett, volunteer co-ordinator, said:: “Staying socially active is important for our well-being but sometimes it can be daunting.

“A friendly welcome is guaranteed and our aim is to improve people’s lives by offering friendship and helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.”

For more information contact 07909 748926.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer in Edinburgh contact Diane Bate,Royal Voluntary Service Community Engagement and Operations Manager, at diane.bate@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk, call 0300 012 0261 or visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteer

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