Rochdale superhero goes on an adventure of the imagination

Castleton caregiver Lynda Kent takes the lead role in a newly released episode of Armchair Adventures, an interactive podcast created to help people feel connected and less isolated during the Covid pandemic.

Lynda, 60, is part of an over-55s theatre group called Hearts & Minds, which is run by CIC organisation Made by Mortals. They used to meet every single week to create interactive music and drama productions for primary-school children. Since March, they have not been able to meet in person but have kept their community theatre group going via video and phone conferencing.

Like many of us, Lynda had a dream holiday cancelled this year and was supposed to be going on a Caribbean cruise. Lynda and the group came up with the concept of an interactive podcast, which instead of going on real holidays, allows people to go on an adventure of their imagination.

In episode 2, Lynda takes everyone on an adventure to discover ‘what being a superhero really means.’ It turns out that Lynda is a real-life superhero too because she works as a caregiver for Home Instead Rochdale providing home help, personal care and companionship to older people across the borough.

The Armchair Adventures episode is dedicated to all the keyworkers, who are all real-life superheroes, for all their extraordinary work they’ve done this year.

Lynda, who started her job with Home Instead Rochdale just two weeks before lockdown, said: “I was so grateful to start this job, otherwise I’d have been stuck at home on my own during the lockdown. But instead, I’ve been out the house making myself useful. It’s given me a purpose and I feel really lucky. It’s been nice to make a difference.”

Caroline Flood, Care Manager at Home Instead Rochdale, said: “We’re a home care company that enables the elderly and vulnerable to stay well, comfortable and happy without having to move into residential care. Throughout the pandemic we have been reminded of the importance of community spirit, and initiatives like Armchair Adventures do a lot to bring people together and keep them occupied.

“It’s about time our fantastic caregivers like Lynda got recognised for their hard work, so I’m glad she’s being showcased as the superhero she is!”

Paul Hine, director at Made by Mortals, said: “Lynda has been a member of our Hearts & Minds theatre group now for two years and we’re thrilled that she gets so much from the experience. Despite a tough year, we have still managed to create an outstanding piece of theatre that can be enjoyed by everyone and anyone.”

As well as the community theatre group members, the podcast involves work by professional scriptwriters and orchestral musicians. Made by Mortals is supported with funding from Arts Council England, the National Lottery and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Anyone can listen to Armchair Adventures from their podcast service such as iTunes, Google Podcasts, BBC Sounds and Spotify.

Made by Mortals also has a number of MP3 players and Armchair Adventure themed activity packs to give to community groups and older people who do not have access to the internet.

For more information:

• www.madebymortals.org/armchair-adventures/