St Matthew's Rastrick: Resident stories

Resident A

I live in Rastrick and I’m currently living on my own after coming out of a long, controlling marriage. That experience left me isolated from my family and friends, and rebuilding my confidence has been incredibly challenging.

Both my therapist and counsellor encouraged me to start getting out more and to be around people again, but taking those first steps felt overwhelming.

The Parish Centre at St Matthew’s has played a major part in helping me move forward. It has given me a safe, welcoming place to meet new people, take part in activities, and slowly reconnect with myself.

“Being active at the Parish Centre has helped me rebuild my confidence, make new friends, and feel like myself again after a very difficult chapter in my life.”

Getting involved in sport and being more active has opened up new opportunities, not just physically, but emotionally. I’ve started to rebuild my confidence, and for the first time in a long time, I feel more like myself.

Through being active at the centre, I’ve made new friends, improved my communication, and found the courage to try things I would never have considered before. It has helped me feel less alone and more optimistic about what comes next.

Resident B

I have been active for as long as I can remember. At school, I played every sport going, including tennis, hockey, and rounders. As I got older, tennis and golf became my main interests. Living locally in St Matthew’s parish, staying active has always been a natural part of my life.

I’m now approaching my ninetieth year, and although my pace has changed, I still enjoy being active, especially through walking. I was widowed fourteen years ago, and since then, my family, friends, and the church have played a vital role in encouraging me to keep moving and stay engaged.

“Staying active helps me remain independent, connected, and confident as I get older. With the support of family, friends, and the church, I feel able to keep going well into my nineties.”

Their support has helped me maintain my routines and remain independent, which is very important to me. My aim is to keep going for as long as I can, and staying active gives me the strength, purpose, and connection to do just that.

Resident C

I live locally, just a bus ride away in Rastrick, and I now live alone after losing my husband nine months ago to a massive stroke. I’ve always tried to stay active, whether through walking the dog, keep-fit sessions, or more recently, kurling at St Matthew’s Community Centre. Kurling has been a real lifeline for me: it’s fun, sociable, and gives me the chance to spend time with others, which I find incredibly helpful.

The biggest challenge I face is transport. Buses can be unreliable, and because I don’t drive, getting to some activities is difficult. Friends have encouraged me to try more things, such as pilates and Glo-fit, for example, but pilates isn’t suitable for me as I can’t get down on the floor. I may return to Glo-fit at some point because I enjoyed it in the past, and it was a great way to meet new people.

“Being active helps me feel better in myself, supports my mental health, and keeps loneliness at bay. It gives me the chance to meet new friends, which is exactly what I need at this stage in my life.”

Staying active is something I want to carry on with. It genuinely makes me feel better in myself and supports my mental health. Being active gets me out of the house, helps to combat loneliness, and keeps my bones and body healthy. Most importantly, it gives me the chance to meet new friends, and that is exactly what I need right now.