December 2025 Newsletter

15 Dec

Thank you for being part of our ReConnect community. Your support, friendship, and dedication have made 2025 a truly special year, and we couldn’t have done it without you. 🎁🎉

group of people standing, smiling, holding first aid certificates | group of people in the park smiling, holding yellow leaves| image leaflet Cirencester group | Christmas tree| two women one man reading | Paula holding award | woman smiling

Reflecting on 2025

This year has been full of connection, growth, and heartwarming moments:

New Stroke Group

We opened a Stroke Support Group serving the Cotswolds area, helping stroke survivors and families access local support and social connection.

Volunteers

Our incredible volunteers contributed 360 hours of 1:1 volunteering support and assisted group leads in running all our groups, spreading kindness and support across Gloucestershire.

We also increased our number of hospital befrienders, offering a reassuring presence in three wards.

Team Growth

We welcomed two new Board Directors, Helen and Raquel, who bring invaluable expertise, and our new Groups Coordinator, Anna, whose energy and care made our groups feel even more special.

Community Activities

Our groups enjoyed a trip to Westonbirt Arboretum and a lovely voyage on the Willow Trust boat. We also celebrated the festive season with our ReConnect Christmas Tree Display at St Lawrence Church in Stroud, spreading holiday cheer! 🎄✨

Networking and Outreach

We met with hyper-acute stroke teams at Woodmancote Ward, Cheltenham Hospital, to discuss ReConnect services, and attended the “Live Longer Better” event at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, welcoming new participants and volunteers into our groups.

Stroke Awareness Day

We attended an afternoon networking event at the Vale Hospital Stroke Rehab unit to raise awareness of ReConnect Gloucestershire and the work we do.

Training

All our office staff members received First Aid and Adult Safeguarding training, empowering everyone to stay safe and confident.

Award-Winning Volunteering

We were thrilled that ReConnect Gloucestershire won the Volunteering Best Practice Award 2025! 🏆 We were excited and proud to be recognised for doing what we do best - inclusive volunteering.

Four of our volunteers were also nominated for the Room To Reward scheme, winning them a free two-night stay for two at hotels across the UK. Well done to Sylvia, Janet, Deborah and Martin. You are fabulous volunteers and truly deserve this recognition.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are excited for another year of building connections, sharing meaningful moments, and strengthening community spirit across Gloucestershire through our peer support and activity groups, mentoring, and befriending. 🌟