How One Course Changed Two People’s Lives

A free course, two strangers and one life-changing friendship.
Find out how the Roots to Wellbeing course brought Eric and Andrew together.

Andrew (on the left) and Eric (pictured right) lived just a few miles apart from each other in Atherton and Leigh, but had never met.

As they approached retirement age, they were both looking to be more active in their local community, make new friends and try new things. As it turned out, they found exactly what they were looking for after taking part in the Roots To Wellbeing course. This free, 10-week programme, run by Groundwork, helps you to improve your health and wellbeing, as well as your chances of finding work. It’s a team-based programme, which means you have to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Little did Andrew and Eric know, this would be the start of a fantastic friendship.

I was a bit nervous at first, but I soon made some new friends.

A New Beginning

“I was a bit nervous at first,” Eric said, “but I soon made some new friends. I really enjoyed being part of a team. Me and Andrew just hit it off from the start.”

Eric found that the course not only helped him gain new skills, but it also reignited his passion for helping others.

Andrew felt the same way. Before signing up, he found out more about Roots To Wellbeing online. Inspired by videos of past participants, he decided to give it a try. “I knew within the first week that I was going to love it,” he said. “Roots To Wellbeing really boosted my confidence and gave me a chance to try new things. I didn’t think I would like things like art and mindfulness, but I loved them.”

A Lasting Impact

The Roots To Wellbeing course didn’t just help Eric and Andrew find new skills and confidence. It also brought them a new and lasting friendship. They now regularly keep in touch on the phone, meeting up for walks and ultra competitive games of table football.

Both men now feel a sense of purpose and are planning to give back to their communities. Andrew has signed up as a volunteer helping out on the Roots To Wellbeing programme. It means he will be helping other people, just like the course helped him.

Kate Spragg, is Groundwork’s Development Officer responsible for co-ordinating the Roots To Wellbeing programme. Kate says: “It’s been lovely to see Eric and Andrew’s relationship grow over the 10 week course. They have been very supportive towards each other and really complemented the team with their positive ‘can do’ attitude.”

Roots To Wellbeing really boosted my confidence and gave me a chance to try new things.

Eric has always enjoyed helping other people. Having finished the course, he is now planning to volunteer at a local nature reserve. Eric says “Kate who runs the course is brilliant. She gets involved in all of the activities and you learn things whilst having fun, with things like quizzes. If you’re thinking about whether Roots To Wellbeing would be right for you, I’d say sign up today – you will definitely enjoy it!

Ready to Change Your Life?

Are you ready to build your confidence, learn new skills and connect with people in your community?

Check out the Roots To Wellbeing webpage.

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