What is MAYFACS?
MAYFACS supports the community of Mayfield and Five Ashes with a clear objective to help alleviate loneliness and isolation by providing a range of activities for all ages, providing support and signposting to other organisations. We are striving to make our community an inclusive and welcoming community, supporting one another, creating opportunities and working together for the benefit of all who live and work within our boundaries. MAYFACS relies on the incredible support of our volunteers who underpin all that we do to improve the health and wellbeing of all our community.
Living in a rural location restricts access to physical and social activity, especially for those who have limited access to transport due to long-term health conditions/disabilities. Mayfield and Five Ashes has higher-than-average older population aged 60 years + (36% compared to 24.2% England/Wales). We have 25% of adults reporting long-term health conditions or disabilities. Access to medical care is harder for those living alone or without support. *Census Data 2021
“MAYFACS provides a great service to the community. It has a very small team which has developed a wide range of programs, especially for those residents who require additional support. None of the programs would be as effective without the volunteers who are the life blood.”
For people living within our community, MAYFACS volunteers help build confidence and friendships, encouraging participation and connection, improving their quality of life with the aim they live longer and more fulfilled lives within our community. Our volunteers deliver a range of regular activities and support within their own roles in the team, whether they host one of our activities, drive people to the groups to ensure everyone can access MAYFACS, bake cakes for participants to enjoy, provide companionship and support during our groups, or lead an activity or presentation for others to enjoy.
“Tea & Chat is so good for her. She was getting old and frail and now look at her – mingling and chatting with everyone in the room! She’s got her old spark back…”
MAYFACS Volunteers also provide over 400 community car drives each year ensuring access to medical care within our community, where public or private transport is not possible.
On top of this, our volunteers act as befrienders or ad hoc volunteers who may assist with shopping, supporting people to live independently alongside carers and family members, and being a voice at the end of the phone.
We are incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers who really do drive everything that we do within our community and allow us to support more people.