OLDER people in Hereford tried watercolour and acrylic painting for the first time recently at a free art workshop at Royal Voluntary Service Hereford Hub in Hereford.

Local artist, illustrator and tutor Kim Dalziel led the workshop and those attending created a finished artwork.

The free event was part of First Time for Everything, a programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential to give older people in Hereford (and across the UK) an opportunity to try something new for free in their local community. Staying active and social have been proven to be important to keeping fit and well in older age.

Research by Royal Voluntary Service last year found that two thirds (65 per cent) of people aged 60 and over wanted to try a new activity, but three in ten (29 per cent) felt there weren't enough local opportunities to do so. Keen to address this, the charity joined forces with Prudential to launch the First Time for Everything programme.

Lorna Haseldine, service manager for Royal Voluntary Service Hereford Hub, says "It's been wonderful to see so many local people enjoying our First Time for Everything activities. Thanks to funding from Prudential, we have lots more exciting events coming up and hope that even more older people, their carers and families will come along. It's never too late to try something for the first time."

Linda Holt attended the Prudential First Time for Everything art workshop at Hereford Hub. She said "I have really enjoyed today, I hope you are planning to do more workshops."

Jillian Lobban, director of regulatory and legacy projects at Prudential, said: "The First Time for Everything programme has had a significant impact in the communities where it's already run. We want to help create experiences that enhance the lives of older people and at the same time help address the epidemic of loneliness in the UK, particularly amongst the elderly. We're therefore delighted to be supporting Royal Voluntary Service. We hope that even more older people will enjoy trying First Time for Everything activities in 2019."

The next Prudential First Time for Everything event in Hereford will be a weaving workshop on Wednesday, February 20 from 2pm to 4pm.

Royal Voluntary Service relies on support from local volunteers to help run First Time for Everything events and other social activities and is looking for more volunteers to join its friendly, dedicated team.

Lorna Haseldine says: "For anyone with a few hours to spare, volunteering is a great way to get involved in the local community. Our volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people – many are aged 60 and over - and they really enjoy the buzz they get from helping others."

For more information about Prudential First Time for Everything activities and other services for older people in Hereford, contact Lorna Haseldine on 01432 273590, email herefordshirehub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit @RoyalVoluntaryServiceHerefordshire.

To find out more about local volunteering opportunities, visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteer