mobility in UK

Transnational Meeting – Lichfield – UK 1-3rd April 2014

Senior Citizens Empowerment for Active Aging

Borislava Taneva - 32

– volunteer, part of the team of project

My name is Borislava Taneva and I am from Bulgaria – Day care centre “Confidence ”. I am a clinical psychologist. It is a great honor to participate in the project “Senior Citizens Empowerment for Active Aging”. As a first project, it is a great pleasure for me to meet and communicate with people from different organizations and countries. The experience which I gain is priceless. My first travel as part of the project was in England – Lichfiled. I have the opportunity for the second time in my life to fly with a plane and to visit this beautiful country England. I have been in London a year ago, but Lichfield itself has the typical English tradition and culture, which I really like. A small and pretty city with wonderful people and sights. On the first day we were met by the kind hosts Christine and Ken at the educational room. Lovely people who I met for the first time. Furthermore, once arrived at the Birmingham airport I met the big Romanian group – consisting of 9 different aged people, including the mayor of Braila. The first day of our stay began with great expectation for me. What was about to come during the day, how would happen, what I would learn and teach the others. Everybody presented their own organization and work on the project until that moment. The work done by the Romanians made a great impression to me. Viorika, their coordinator, shared in details for the process they went through – which was great and very useful. In the afternoon, we visited the Lichfield Cathedral, whereby the city is famous. It is a magnificent building with many ornaments, surrounded by history. After that we had a special meeting with the mayor of Lichfield and a typical English afternoon tea. It was a wonderful time and experience as I had a chance to communicate with other organizations. The unique Poles – Magda and Hana and the Turks. Each nation has its own characteristics and this is really great that one project can gather us together and share experience. In the evening we took a rest and had dinner in a nice English pub with tasty food and cold beer. The second day we visited the National Memorial Arboretum. A place created in memory of all victims around the world during the First and Second World War. A place where nobody can resist a wince in his heart. The weather was icy cold and windy, however it was really interesting for me to listen and learn more and more. Finally, our stay ended with a minute of silence dedicated for the victims at 11:00AM. After this historical place, we went to the first shelter on the list to visit: Border Collie Trust Shelter. A unique place for dogs and a few cats. It was interesting for me to learn that most shelters in England are supported by donations. Yes it is practice so everyone can take advantage and I even bought a few souvenirs for a keepsake. Each citizen can make a donation or participate as a volunteer. Great practice, which will be good to be applied in Bulgaria as well. The shelter was not big, but it had a quite big garden outside, so the dogs can go outside and play or to be trained. The garden was made in a very interesting way – as there were real people with their silhouettes and bikes, so that to be easier for the animals once they are adopted. Awesome ! The second shelter was bigger: Birmingham Dogs Home Sunnyside. Again it was a great place supported only by donations and volunteers. We had a detailed presentation for the activities in the shelter. Another thing which made me an impression is that there were no homeless dogs on the streets, because they are immediately taken to the shelters and adopted. Practice, which is good to be used in Bulgaria. The puppies were very sweet and some of them were expecting their new home. What impressed me in both shelters was the attitude of the staff, the people who worked there. They were friendly, smiling and loving to each animal. The dinner was organized by our hosts Christine and Ken in a wonderful pub nearby the hotel. We shared experience and impressions. The third day, and the last, we spent in the educational room and we got special guests. At first Christine told us about her organization and experience so far. A wonderful story which I would not forget. I liked the sequence, the persistence and the organization at all. After that we were visited by two adorable adult ladies, who were knitting blankets and some clothes for people and animals as a charity. The funds collected are for different countries from the third world and for the local hospital for kids. Amazing! The patience she had, so to have what she got with Ken now. I really appreciate that and many thanks for that. The guests who visited us were from RSPCA organization and another organization such as an animal patrol – working with aggressive animals or animals at risk. And again wonderful people working for their cause for a better life for homeless dogs and cats. I like that they don't give up, but rather fight and connect to different institutions, making their activities easier and more popular. It is great and we better should learn from such practice in Bulgaria as well. I am fascinated by the entire stay and the way of work and practice in Lichfield. The way how people organize and help each other. Volunteering and donations are something normal and natural. Everyone is able to spend from his money for the good of a cause or spent his own time and to be useful, no matter what he does. It is really amazing and we have to learn much in this way. Moreover, the attitude towards us as clients and organizations, the attention and the smiles made my visit unforgettable. I am glad to be part of this project and will give the best of me to achieve the goals. And last but not least I want to mention the hotel in which we stayed: Cathedral Lodge Hotel. A great hotel with wonderful, helpful and smiling people. I am looking forward for the next trip in Poland.

Yanitca Nedelcheva - 32

– volunteer, part of the team of project

Tuesday 1st April 2014 09.15 Welcome, logistics - Report on Overall Progress of the Project V. Alexandru - Country Reports all partners We was five participants from Bulgaria. We present our work regarding the project – collecting information, preparing research of national mythology for cats and dogs, research of national legislation for animal’s protection, meeting kids in Roma community and working with them of important topics like how to behave when meet stray dog or how to care better for their pets etc. The working room was very good and were provided very good working conditions. 11.00 Coffee Continue morning session or Spare slot 13.00 Working Lunch in the Hotel Training Room This was good time to meet each – other and to have non-formal conversations. We met new participants from Romania, Turkey and Poland. 2.00: Meet outside West Front of Cathedral 3.30 Afternoon tea at St Mary’s with brief visit from Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Bob Awty, 4.00 Session on importance of volunteering to the community led by Jonathan Oates and David Wallington 4.45 Tour of St Mary’s: David Wallington 5.30 Final Question Time (formal or informal) 6.00 Depart for evening meal (own choice) in Lichfield That was very emotional afternoon and our first walk in Lichfield – very nice city with interesting history and many places to visit. We have lecture about Lichfield Cathedral. It is set within a remarkable and serene Close and there is much to occupy the visitor. The 800 year old Cathedral, the third building on the site has a fascinating history. The Cathedral is currently home to a long-term display of Staffordshire Hoard treasures, including stunning replicas of the Pectoral Cross and Biblical Inscription Strip. The display is housed in the Chapter House, alongside the stunning Lichfield Angel and St Chad Gospels and is open: Monday to Saturday: 10am until 4pm / Sunday: 12 noon until 3pm The Cathedral was under siege three times during the Civil War, restored under Charles II in the 1660s, extensively remodelled internally in the late 18th century and completely restored to its medieval splendour by Sir George Gilbert Scott 100 years later, its treasures include the 8th century St Chad Gospels, 16th century Flemish Glass, monuments by Chantrey and Epstein and the 20th century Lang Lichfield Silver Commission. For me was great to have also opportunity to present of original Anglican service and to hear the great choir of the church. But what is an English afternoon without a cup of original tea? We spend very nice time with the mare of the city and he said us very interesting things about the history and cultural background of Lichfield. Wednesday 2nd April 2014 09.00 Visit to National Memorial Arboretum 11.00 Participate in Memorial Service by volunteers This morning was very emotional for me and for all of us. Visiting National Memorial we spend time of remember all glories and all said things happened in the time of First and Second world wars. We spent time in silence meditating in topics of humanity and human mistakes costs many lives and thinking of the most important thing of all times – freedom for every human been. 13.00 Border Collie Trust Shelter 14.30 Sunnyside Kennels We visited two shelters. It was great to hear about good practices in UK and to see this places. The situation in UK shelters is very different from shelters in Bulgaria and Romania. The shelters are situated in large territory – with single room for each dog. They have animal behaviour specialist who know the specific needs of each dog and help adoptive families to find the best dog for them. The vets and staff explain many stories how they rescue dogs and cats, heal them and help to find new home. 3rd April 2014 09.15 Workshop on Learning Path Personal Development Volunteering Accreditation 11.00 Coffee 11.30 RSPCA Presentation 12.00 Presentation by Noahs Ark – Catherine Cook 13.00 Working Lunch in Hotel. & Farran Glaze (representing youth). 14.00 Motivating & Stimulating Volunteering Feedback from ESMV European Project Research & findings We spend very good working day meeting people sharing good practices in animal welfare and protection. And the most important topic was about the volunteering and empowerment of people in age over 55 for active citizenship. We met women who knit blankets, clothes and toys and with money after sell it, help shelters for ill children, help children hospitals in Africa and help many people. They said that this is good for them also because in this way they are not alone but a part of helping community. Thinking of this we saw that in many places – The Cathedral, in National memorial in animal shelters are involved many volunteers and also they are very good in fund raising activities. This was very empowering experience and we have ideas to try in our national contests in Bulgaria.

Nora Stoicheva- 25

– volunteer, part of the team of project

Before I say my impressions of traveling and work on the project , I would like to express my gratitude to the entire team in Bulgaria, so that make me a part of this project and gave me this chance ! For me participation on the project and in particular the trip to England, was very helpful, because I was able to meet and communicate with people from different countries and of different ages and to practice my knowledge of English. This is my first project work and for me this visit in England, was very exciting and interesting , I have got a lot of valuable experience and knowledge. For the first time I was flying by plane, like some of the volunteers of the project and for the first time I had the opportunity to meet and talk with people from several different countries and I find out more about their culture and way of life. From a long time, I had a great desire to visit England, I wanted to know more about their culture and way of life and I’m very impressed by the architecture and layout of the buildings, everywhere is very clean and they have a great landscaped gardens. The program of the project, was very well structured and almost, we didn’t have free time. During the day, we had many interesting and different activities and we were discussing various things related to the volunteers and activities that each partner had done in recent months. Each of the partners presented the report, which was very interesting for me. We visited various places, associated with our activities. And also we visited two shelter for dogs ( Border Collie Trust and Birmingham Dogs Home) and I’m so impressed from the living conditions and the welfare of animals in England. I’m glad, because there people take care for the animals and there are, so many people, who adopt dogs and give them home. I succeed to see many sights and museums, architecture there is very different from ours in Bulgaria. I’m impressed by the great attitude of the other partners from Romania, Turkey, Poland and England. I think we are a great team, who achieved and will continue joint efforts to assist and achieved very good results together. The project is a great and fully achieved the objectives, for communication and exchange of experience between different generations. I managed to talk to all of the volunteers and participants and to learn a lot from them. I can say that, the visit in England, was very useful for volunteers over 50 years, who are involved in the project. They were able to talk with people who are from the other countries, meet new friends, to see many interesting and remarkable places, to learn and practice their knowledge of English language and to feel useful and capable. They also took an active part in discussions and decisions, who were taken about the project. I think, from them It was, very exciting and useful experience and they convinced themselves, that they can learn and develop, even after 50 years. There should be more such projects and people must be convinced of that, it is never too late for new friends and meetings, new knowledge and that age should not be a barrier to communication.

Teodora Taneva -35

– volunteer, part of the team of project

The mobility in UK was very exciting. Christine and Ken prepared practical and useful program. One of the things that most impressed me was UK very good voluntary practices. Most of the organizations that we visited were based on volunteering. It was great to know, that Litchfield Cathedral is maintained by volunteering work of many people - such a valuable historical place. Visiting National Arboretum was really tremendous experience; it is for sure a place to remember.The guide was prepared to show us particular parts of this huge place. There were places for Poland and Turkey. The weather this day was very cold, but the emotions that this place evokes in me take me too apart of thinking about cold. Remembering some of the bravest figures in our history and moments of war and tragedy made me silent. We attended in Service of Remembrance, also maintained by volunteers 365 days a year. Same day we visited two dog organizations - Border Collie Trust and Sunnyside Kennels , both very well organized ,showing very good practice and experience, people working there was open and shared a lot about their passion and dedication to their work. Very good practices of re - homing. Dogs usually re- homes in a short period. The third day we working at the hotel training room, Christine made very useful presentations of her own Individual Development Plan- something very practical.She also presented her experience of her ESMV project – Motivating and Stimulating Volunteering – again very practical recourse of information about UK.Guests presenting RSPCA and Noahs Ark were quite inspiring in a way the showed the way they work and great motivation.

Maria Taneva-58

– volunteer, part of the team of project

My name is Maria and I am from Taneva Bulgaria . I am 58 years old and I volunteer in Association" Confidence " since its beginning.My motivation was very important to get involved in this project. Before that I read in the internet for these project , so I decided to participate in "Senior Citizen empowerment for Active aging”. For me, travel and meet people from other countries is very interesting.This trip to UK was a big challenge for me.I flied for the first time in plane, I overcome it.My arrival at the airport Birmingham was very exciting. My first meeting was with project coordinator from Romania and the guest Mayor of Braila. It was very exciting. I was able to meet Viorica and her team . My first time in UK and the city of Lichfield with typical an English atmosphere.Beautiful and quiet town with lots of flowers and gardens , and friendly people. The first day we were greeted by hospitable hosts Christine and Ken in the training room. Wonderful people who first met. I met with the other project partners from Turkey and Poland. We exchanged gifts for each other country of the traditional issues.It was exciting.Every one of us presented their organization and work on the project to the date . The work of Romanians made a great impression to me. Viorica their coordinator told in detail about the process through which they passedq it was wonderful and very helpful. I had translation of my daughters Teodora and Borislava . For me, English is also a challenge, but I was motivated to make a little bit to get into contact with these people After lunch we visited the largest cathedral in Lichfield and I was very pleased . It was huge with a very long history. We had pictures with the whole group.At 3.30 hours , we headed to a meeting with the Mayor of Lichfield , which was combined with drinking traditional afternoon tea and examination of a particularly gallery museum, with exhibits vessels of silver together many years ago.At the evening we ate in a lovely English pub with great food and beer. The second day we visited the National Memorial Arboretum. A place created in memory of victims around the world during the first and second World War. A place where one can not forget. The weather was freezing and cold , but nevertheless it's been interesting to hear and see more. Finally, our stay ended with a minute's silence exactly at 11:00 am in memory of the victims.This memorial is maintained by volunteers.After this historic place went to the first shelter -Border Collie Trust Shelter. Each citizen has option to be a volunteer and to donate. Great practice.The location was not big, but well matched for walking the dogs.The second shelter was large: Birmingham Dogs Home Sunnyside, maintained entirely by donations and volunteers. I noticed that the streets are no homeless dogs because immediately are catched and put in adoption. In both shelter I noticed the attitude of the staff , the people who worked there. They were friendly , smiling and loving each animal.The dinner was organized by our hosts Christine and Ken in a lovely pub near the hotel. Again exchanged experiences and impressions.The third day , the last one, we spent in the training room we had special guests. Originally Christine said about her individual developmental plan. A detailed analysis of everything that she had made to this time. We can only learn from their experience and share to other people decided to be volunteer.Guests who visited us were from RSPCA organization and another organization such as animal patrol , working with aggressive animals or animals at risk dogs and cats. I liked the fact that they do not give up , but rather fight and bind to various institutions at facilitating their activities.Wonderful and we in Bulgaria is good to learn from such practices.I loved the whole stay but definitely could not help but admire the people and practices in this activity in Litchfield and Birmingham. How do people organize themselves and help animals.Volunteering and donations are normal and natural. Each is ready to sharefrom their money for the good of a cause or share their time to be useful. But I think that donations are still associated with greater financial opportunities of these people . I look forward to our next meeting in Poland. See you soon friends.