Seriously Social About the Community: There’s No Place Like Horizon by Juliet Bowskill

Juliet, one of Horizon’s Trustees, joined the board after becoming a member of the Active Play scheme in September 2023. She came onboard after stepping away from work to become a full time parent carer. Inspired by the Wizard of Oz, she shares how ‘there’s no place like Horizon.’

“Every person from our community enters Horizon for different reasons. Tin Man. A kind gentle person who perhaps gathers a heart from the helping hand of the group exercise community and share hearts in the café over a tea. Where there’s tea, there is hope. 

The Lion, who seeks courage. Horizon provides opportunities to build your confidence through new and old activities and friendships. From Lego club, Ballroom dancing, Friday’s parent & baby group or the long term conditions swimming sessions. 

The Scarecrow. With space available to provide information from every direction; online, the Wellbeing Hub or even the receptionists, you can access expert support and guidance from everyone and every platform. 

Then Dorothy, me! A young lady with a streak of boldness in clothes, outspoken, headstrong who dearly loves her family. Two years ago, I was sucked in by a storm, bumped my head and was following a yellow brick road to fight for my little boys right to full time education.

After 18 months we came across a lot of lions, tigers and bears. Plus, the wicked witch from the west! She would always come flying in at full speed, cackling in her best shade of green. It would always be on a day I would already be picking up what Toto deposited on the ground.  

My son was lacking in physical education, due to not being able to access one PE lesson due to his reduced timetable. Finances for enrichment was stretched, and most days we felt isolated. I would plod along looking at my red shoes humming “Somewhere over the Rainbow” to remind us good days would come.” 

The Horizon Active Play scheme is funded by Hampshire County Council. The scheme is aimed for families who are experiencing financial hardship and allows them to utilise our leisure facilities. “In September 2023, I was handed a leaflet of the Active Play Scheme. It was like seeing Glinda glistening in her bubble in the sky. We applied and 4 weeks later Michael Whitelock arrived, the good witch wearing a spectacular pink dress, crown and waved a wand as our application was granted for the Active Play Scheme. When I shared my story with Michael, and my passion for no child/young adult to be left out. He saw a lion in Dorothy and gave me courage to apply to become a Trustee.” 

“The membership letter was the most exciting invitation we had in a long time. Listing all the facilities we could access. Manned with our membership cards, Emerald city here we come! 

As the doors opened to Horizon we no longer felt left out. The staff are “buzz, buzz, buzz, chirp, chirp, chirp in the merry old land of oz”. Six months later a couple of “brand-new straws, that’s how we keep you young and fair in the Merry Old land of Oz”.  I have been mostly swimming in the evening. The swimming gives me the power to return to Kansas City, discover myself again through exercise, and my wellbeing at its best. You will hear me now singing “Somewhere over the rainbow”. I am also back to dressing like a rainbow with glittery shoes. I’ve had my blood pressure checked in the wellbeing Hub and it was sent electronically to my GP, which knocked the wicked witch off her broom, Ha! 

My son can now swim unaided, he is at his best when in the water and so happy. Swimming also supports his sensory diet. He regularly accesses Oceans of play and most recently the new and exciting Thrive timetable. Seeing my children being successful and enjoying the facilities promotes long term health benefits for them. 

All in all, we are a happier and healthier family, who tap our heels in excitement and say three times every time the doors open, “There’s no place like Horizon”. “

At Horizon, we’re passionate about ensuring all children have access to a fun and active lifestyle, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to our partnership with Hampshire Borough Council, we’re able to bring this programme to parents in our community, supporting the national goal of keeping children active. We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that Active Play has had on parents like Juliet.