The Highfield Hospital Physiotherapy team know the importance of physical activity for both our physical and mental well-being. This March, we would like to put our "feet where our mouths are" by collectively racking up 1,500,000 steps in order to raise money for The Friendship Circle. We have chosen this charity because of the vital work that they do in supporting vulnerable people with physical and learning disabilities in the local community.

We will be mounting up our steps through hockey (Anita), netball (Amy), house hunting (Gill), dog walking / shopping trips (Maria), providing physio pitch side support (Ewan) and waddling through month 7 of pregnancy (Daniella). We would appreciate any help that you can give us by donating to this amazing organisation.

Daniella has been involved with The Friendship Circle for the last 10 years and seen first-hand diversity celebrated in the most remarkable ways. The Friendship Circle allows friendships to be harnessed between individuals who can ordinarily be quite isolated. It allows those who struggle to communicate verbally to express themselves creatively through art, singing, dancing and cookery classes. Members with low self confidence are able to partake in sports, fashion shows, play crazy golf with friends and meet up for a meal knowing that their friends will embrace them without judgement. The Friendship Circle encourages members to become more engaged with the local community through a community integration and volunteering club and promotes health and well-being in lifestyle classes.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, The Friendship Circle has worked tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable people in our society are not forgotten. This has included a range of innovative socially distanced programmes, that have allowed members to interact at a time when they were particularly isolated. Many members have come to rely on The Friendship Circle in supporting their mental and social well-being and so continuing these programmes is vital. Any money that you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you