FROME’S PACE (Personal Achievement and Creative Experience) group is back in action.
To celebrate, the social support group for people with physical disabilities recently held an awareness event at the Gorehedge Community Room venue.
The group reports, “We wanted people to know that we have very much resumed our weekly meetings between 10am to 3pm to share our programme of activities, enjoy lunch together and hopefully benefit from a life-enhancing experience and make new friends.
“There is no doubt mental health has been a big issue for the disabled and isolated through the pandemic. But even when we were unable to have meetings, our qualified care duo, Sandy and Sara, supported PACE members by telephone, skilfully reassuring, encouraging them and lifting spirits.
“Our awareness day was informal and fun. Visitors were able to meet PACE members and view an exhibition of their paintings made possible by a generous donation from Frome Rotary Club. Their away day trip to Noah’s Ark Farm sponsored by the Big Lottery Fund, as well as an Accessibility Study Walk sponsored by Frome Cadets, were also represented in their exhibition.”
Town councillors, Richard Ackroyd and Mark Dorrington, also attended the event to find out more about PACE and what they do.
Cllr Ackroyd said, “PACE provides a fantastic service, a real opportunity for people to socialise and feel part of a group. I am very happy I found out more about what goes on. Keep it up.”.
Cllr Dorrington added, “I was interested to learn that PACE has the support of two permanent paid carers.”
Ann Watson, who was part of the professional team when the group was established; summed up a wonderful and successful event by saying, “I am so pleased to see PACE is thriving and how it has succeeded in sustaining itself during lockdown.”
For more information about PACE, please contact Carol Harper on 01373 812890, or email: cgharper@btinternet.com; or contact Sara Greening on 07728 049772 or email: sara.greening67@gmail.com
Find them on Facebook under ‘PACE Frome’.
