We all know that as we get older, there are more things that can (and will) harm us.
But what isn’t so well known is that one of the biggest killers of the elderly in the UK is loneliness. Old age, coupled with various mental or physical problems can mean that many elderly people barely leave the house, and have very little interaction with anyone else.
Barrow District Age UK is offering a lifeline for vulnerable older people (aged 50 - 90) in the form of their Lottery funded RespectAbility program. This service allows over 50’s the chance to socialise, meet old friends and make new ones, and gives them the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities.
There’s something for everyone at the Abbey Road site, catering for those who have an interest in woodwork, cooking, music, exercise and brushing up on IT skills.
Courses and activities include:
I.T. courses designed for beginners to explore the Internet, Ebay, Skype etc.
The Shed – A fully operational woodwork shop.
Cooking for one, plus one or more in a fully operational kitchen (there is also a dining room where users can interact)
Reminiscence sessions.
Light exercise sessions, music and movement, games, craft sessions, model making and more.
The service has Lottery funding for four years and currently has 400 people signed up to its programme. Its aim is to eventually help 800 people to interact and socialise; learning new skills, and brushing up on old ones along the way.
If you’d like to know more about the RespectAbility programme (or any of the other services that Barrow & District Age UK offer) call them on 01229 831425, visit the website http://www.ageuk.org.uk/barrow/ or pop into the office at Lakeland House on Abbey Road.
