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      • 3 min read

    6 reasons to visit a National Trust site this year

    Updated: Mar 22

    This year we have been awarded a special pass from the National Trust that will allow First Choice Tenants to visit any National Trust site in Wales free of charge. You don’t even need to pay for your parking! This pass allows groups of up to 50 people to attend any National Trust site.


    Here are 6 reasons why First Choice Tenants should visit a National Trust site before the offer expires in November.


    First Choice have the pass available until November 2022, so please contact if you are interested!


    Email: customerserivces@fcha.org.uk

    Phone: 029 2070 3758


    1. To help with your exercise or wellbeing goals.


    Whether you want to get out in the fresh air more or to see how far you can push yourself on a walk, the National Trust sites are the perfect place to do that!

    Walking keeps our bodies and minds healthy, giving us a breather from the stresses of daily life and the space to gather our thoughts. Exploring open countryside also brings us closer to nature, giving us time to notice what being outdoors has to offer. You can read more about the health and wellbeing benefits here.



    2. Creating or joining a group for Photography or Wildlife Spotting


    If you enjoy taking photographs or love to spot wildlife, the National Trust sites are definitely some of the best places to put your hobby into practice.



    The scenic routes throughout Wales might inspire you to get your cameras out and take photographs. Maybe of the sun breaking through the trees, or taking a selfie in front of the rolling Welsh hills.




    We know there were many Tenants who took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch event in 2021. Tenants made a note of all of the birds they spotted nibbling at their bird feeders in the Autumn. Now is the perfect opportunity to take those new bird spotting skills out into the countryside!







    3. To meet friends and family outdoors.



    Up to 50 people are allowed to attend the National Trust sites so why not take your family and friends? There are some lovely places for a cup of tea or a picnic.


    This is a fantastic opportunity for your loved ones too! COVID-19 has stopped us all from doing the things we enjoy and seeing the people we care about. Using the National Trust pass is a good way of bringing people together.


    4. To learn about the history of the site.


    Some of the National Trust sites are home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the UK. There are many opportunities for you to take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the place.



    Each tour doesn't take long and will help you understand what these buildings were used for many years ago. You can also walk through the gardens and beside the rivers.


    5. To join in with some volunteering.

    Help look after a community garden, allotment and orchard by joining the Friends of Felin volunteering group. Sessions run every second Saturday of the month and welcomes anyone from aged 14 and above. Join one of National Trusts' clean ups and help give the estate a good tidy up by collecting rubbish and checking for any damage to the signs and gates. If you’ve joined one of their active groups, take things one step further and help out on sports volunteering days, where you can help to restore the pathways to ensure they are fit or many more trainers to walk, run and jog along in the future. If you’re looking for a great way to spend your time, there are a range of regular volunteering opportunities, from welcoming visitors in the house to outdoor conservation in the garden and on the estate.



    6. Because more and more sites are accessible!


    Although some of the walks may be more difficult if you have issues with your mobility, a lot of parks are improving their accessibility. This means that Tenants with wheelchair requirements and other needs will have access to a number of these beautiful sites. Why not use the pass to experience what’s on offer?

    If you search on the internet for a National Trust property or site, you will find their ‘Access Statement’ on their website. These Access Statements help people to understand the facilities available and help people to make their own decisions about visiting. The National Trust is developing their accessibility and making improvements. This means that more people with a disability should be able to enjoy the sites and have a more positive experience.


    If you feel like some exercise, you can find a full list of the National Trust accessible walks here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/our-top-accessible-walks


    So which of the 6 reasons are you most interested in? Let us know!


    First Choice would love the pass to be used before it expires in November 2022, so please contact us if you are interested!


    Email: customerserivces@fcha.org.uk

    Phone: 029 2070 3758

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    Tenant Activities: DANCECLUSION

    In North Wales we have been contacted by a dance class for people with learning difficulties and additional needs that FCHA believe would be a fantastic opportunity for our north Wales tenants to learn how to dance!

    Image: J.A DANCECLUSION with quote "Making dance accessible to all... for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs. There is also Josh's logo.

    Josh sent us some information about him and his dance class Danceclusion to share with everybody:


    About Josh:

    Hello! my name is Josh, and I am so excited to be starting this new venture. I have danced all my life and trained professionally, also gaining my AISTD teaching qualifications. I have performed and taught all over the world, such as Disneyland, Cruise Ships, UK Tours, Stage and TV. I am now a full-time support worker which I thoroughly enjoy, and so I wanted to merge my two passions of dance and support working together to create more opportunities for adults with additional needs!

     

    Information about the class….

    “This project is to improve motor skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students with additional needs. Studies have shown that dance has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Students with varying degrees of disabilities have the potential to become more social, better coordinated, and more confident by incorporating dance into their lifestyle. Experiments have been conducted to prove that dance is not only a positive outlet for individuals with disabilities, but also a key point in beginning their creative and artistic personalities.”


    If you require support, you will be politely asked for your support worker/carer to stay for the duration of the session.

     

    -The session is held at

    Directions

    King’s Hall, Prestatyn- King’s Avenue

    LL19 9AA.


    -Every Thursday 11-12.15pm

    -Each session is £4 cash per student (Support workers and staff go free).

     

    Joshua Allan A.I.S.T.D

    Mobile- 07494418702

    E-Mail- josharmstrong10@hotmail.co.uk

    Fully DBS checked

    Full Public Liability Insurance

    First Aid Trained



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    Cardiff Half Marathon Fundraising.

    March marks this years Cardiff Half Marathon and 6 members of staff from FCHA are running on behalf of Gig Buddies Cymru. First Choice has been a funder of Gig Buddies Cymru since it's inception in 2018 are honoured to support them during the Half Marathon for such a fantastic cause.

    Gig Buddies' logo and caption.


    Gig Buddies Cymru pairs up adults with and without a learning disability who share the same interests so they can go to gigs and events together. It’s a very simple and effective way to tackle loneliness and isolation, while creating new friendships who can enjoy the arts, sport and new experiences together. You can find out more and apply to be a gig buddy here:

    The 6 members of staff running the Cardiff Half Marathon are: Adrian Burke, Nigel Bowen, Tudor Davies, Michael Mainwaring, Dave Bingham, and Richard Griffiths. You can support their fundraising here.


    First Choice's Housing Manager Nigel had this to say about supporting Gig Buddies Cymru in the Cardiff Half Marathon:

    First Choice has been very proud to support and provide funding to Gig Buddies Cymru since 2018. The actions, aims and outcomes of Gig Buddies Cymru are directly linked to the values of the Association. First Choice has been a provider of housing for people with a learning disability for over 30 years. We feel passionately about promoting the rights of our tenants – and all people with a learning disability – to be able to enjoy all aspects of life.

    A picture of Nigel with a tenant and others during the Bristol Fundraising Gig in 2020
    Bristol Fundraising Gig in 2020

    First Choice agrees with the Disability Rights Commission`s stance that all people with a disability should have equal opportunities to participate and contribute as equal citizens in the social, economic, civic and community life of the country. We believe that Gig Buddies Cymru plays a key role in helping to achieve this for people with a learning disability. Six members of the First Choice staff team are running the Cardiff Half this year to raise awareness of the great work that Gig Buddies Cymru does – and we welcome any donations to help motivate us further for what we are sure will be a great day. Training is going well but there is a lot of hard work still to be done. We can’t wait to join the rest of the runners representing Gig Buddies Cymru on 27th March.”
    Picture of FCHA's runners David, Adrian, Mike, Richard, Nigel and Tudor

    Support our runners

    You can find out more about all our runners and donate to their LocalGiving fundraising page at the link below:

    First Choice Housing – Adrian, Nigel, Tudor, Michael, Dave, Richard

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    First Choice Housing Association Ltd
    10 Village Way, Greenmeadow Springs
    Cardiff
    CF15 7NE
    Tel: (029) 20703758

    Registered with Charitable Status under the Co-Operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
    Number 26118R Registered with the National Assembly for Wales under number J094

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