NORTH SOUTHWARK HEALTHY AGEING CENTRE
The North Southwark Healthy Ageing Centre continues to be an integral part of the Bermondsey community. The centre faced a very challenging 2004, threatened with closure there was a long and difficult campaign to retain this important centre.
Having faced many hurdles in 2004, the centre has had to move on. There is a great enthusiasm in increasing our work in Healthy Ageing. New programmes such as the OTAGO exercise classes have commenced, smoking cessation classes have begun, the food and nutritional advice has a renewed interest. The Centre still provides the traditional hot meals, cups of tea and a game of bingo.
In December 2004, the 1940s war-time event epitomised the spirit of this centre. This was a chance to reflect on a highly emotive time. Many older people took part in a video diary to explain how they felt as children during the war years. At times, the memories produced a tear, at other times a huge smile. The war time event was a very enjoyable occasion for all. With older people wearing 1940s costumes and make-up, a visit from the Pearly King to help lead the singing, even 2 local school groups came along to share in the fun and learn about the war-time.
The centre has been able to offer some very innovative programmes such as Family History classes and a new allotment programme thanks to employees of Reuters.
The garden area has been very popular with service users, providing an area to relax and enjoy the outdoors as well as the chance to grow vegetable such as tomatoes, lettuce and onions as well as summer favourites such as strawberries.
The centre is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and is open until 7pm on a Thursday.
Activities include Bingo, IT facilities, Cards, TV and Pool room, hot meals at lunch time, garden and allotment area, board games and a well stocked library.
We are once again delighted to be working with the Southwark Council Silver event to be held March 2008.
This event includes a week of activities and events for local older people.
To find out more about the events, please see the Southwark Council website.
OTHER DAY CENTRE LOCATIONS
- South Southwark Healthy Ageing Centre
- Black Elders Group
- Mentally Frail Elders Group
- Stones End Day Centre