Curnie Club: fourth Fife support group offers welcome to help tackle isolation

Fife Curnie Club opened its latest group in August this year. The fourth of its kind in the Kingdom, it is located at Forth Street Hall, Leven.

It was created for people aged between 28 to 65 years old who are experiencing social isolation and offers the opportunity to meet new friends, make new skills and have fun.

Pauline Latto runs the Leven club and described how members of the group have gone on to employment and have explored other groups, such as Andy’s Man Club. She said she has seen “not only an increase in the member’s confidence but also in his sense of humour and an overall growth in personality”.

Pauline attended the group herself, joining first as a member and then progressing to a role as a volunteer and then a member of staff running the club.

Pauline, who has cerebral palsy, represented Great Britain at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000. She won a silver medal and represented her country again four years later at the 2004 games in Athens.

However, in 2019, she found herself dealing with the loss of her mother, health issues and also finding herself out of work. This was when she found the Curnie Club.

Others have followed suit. Amanda Henderson who attends the groups said she first contacted the group after seeing an advertisement in her local GP.

She added: "I phoned up as I thought this was ideal for me as I was isolated, didn't go out and had no friends. So I wanted to try something new. It’s a warm, friendly welcome, with different activities every week. I enjoy catching up and having a laugh."

Fellow attendee Stewart Jones said he hasn’t looked back since finding the group at a job centre.

He said: "I learnt about the Curnie Club from the Job Centre. I thought I would try and I haven't looked back since. I am now involved with other support groups, I wouldn't have managed this before. I have gained confidence and met new friends since being at Curnie."

Donald Henderson added that the club has helped to increase his confidence.

He said: "I have met new friends, learnt new skills and my confidence has increased. I have enjoyed making up quizzes for the group, and making the members laugh."

The new Leven group is hoping to grow its awareness throughout Fife and is keen to work with relevant local organisations. It was recently visited by a member of Furniture Plus who, among the roles it performs, assists people with benefits advice and was able to provide some valuable guidance to members.

The Leven group runs every Friday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. The Curnie Club also runs in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes. For more information please contact Pauline at [email protected] or 077436 343183