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Combating Loneliness and Isolation Through Community Activities
Introduction To Our Older People's Project
The Northam Care Trust are proud to offer a heartwarming initiative giving something back for free to our local community. Aimed at breaking the cycle of solitude and seclusion that older people may face. In this ‘post pandemic’ world, we are helping people to reconnect with others, building relationships and providing a support network.
The Positive Impact That We Make In Combatting Loneliness
The Power of Community
The core of this initiative lies in its regular sessions, where our group gather twice a week to join in a variety of physical and mental activities. Activities are carefully selected to benefit people both physically and mentally.
Physical Activities
One of the key aspects of these sessions is the inclusion of physical exercises. Chair yoga, walks, and even friendly competitions like paper tower building have become favorite pastimes among the senior citizens. These activities have resulted in noticeable improvements in their mobility, flexibility, and balance. They have rediscovered old abilities that have helped to give them a sense of accomplishment while building upon their confidence and self-esteem.
Mental Stimulation
The meetups also offer an array of mental activities such as quizzes, spelling bees and popular television game shows reimagined, to take part and play. These activities not only engage their minds but also foster a sense of friendly competition and accomplishment. Many participants have found that keeping their minds active through these activities has improved their cognitive function and memory.
Building Social Bonds
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, the sessions have helped seniors forge new friendships and support networks. The sense of belonging they have gained from this community has been inspiring. They now have a space to share their stories and experiences, and it has brought them closer together. The warmth and camaraderie among the participants is clear to see.
Boosting Mental and Emotional Well-being
The impact of these sessions goes beyond the physical and social aspects. They have also had a profound effect on the mental and emotional health of the people involved. The activities stimulate their minds, reducing stress, and increasing happiness. The sense of purpose and connection that these gatherings provide has proven to be a powerful antidote to the loneliness and isolation that can often be experienced by older people.
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The older people project has been a huge success improving the lives of many who had become isolated through covid. It has received positive feedback from people who attend, who have expressed their gratitude and satisfaction. It has also created a positive impact on the community, as it has fostered social cohesion, intergenerational exchange, and cultural diversity.
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To hear the thoughts of some of the people supported through the project, click here!
Older People's Project
Addressing Older Loneliness:
The pressing issue of older people's loneliness and social isolation post pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of the seniors.
Regular Community Meetups:
The initiative emphasizes the importance of regular meetups as a means to reconnect older individuals. These meetups are organized twice a week, providing consistent opportunities for social interaction.
Diverse Activities:
The initiative offers a diverse range of physical and mental activities to cater to the varied interests and abilities of senior citizens. Activities include chair yoga, quizzes, spelling bees, walks, and even friendly competitions like paper tower building, family fortunes, University challenge etc.
Physical Well-being:
The positive impact of physical activities on seniors' well-being. These activities improve mobility, flexibility, and balance, helping seniors maintain physical health.
Mental Stimulation:
The initiative incorporates mental activities such as quizzes and spelling bees to engage seniors' minds. Mental stimulation helps enhance cognitive function and memory.
Building Social Bonds:
A central principle is the creation of a supportive community where seniors can form new friendships and support networks. The sense of belonging fosters camaraderie among participants.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
The meetups positively affect the mental and emotional health of seniors. They stimulate the mind, reduce stress, and increase happiness, contributing to improved overall well-being.
Sense of Purpose:
The sense of purpose and connection derived from participating in these gatherings is crucial for combating loneliness and isolation among elderly individuals.
Community Care:
This initiative is a reminder that with care and effort, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our elderly loved ones and contribute to their happiness and well-being.
Laughter:
This initiative is a reminder that with care and effort, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our elderly loved ones and contribute to their happiness and well-being.
Hear From Some of Our OPP Members
Contact Information
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Wellbeing Programme Manager
Dr Nina Tahilyani
Email: ninatahilyani@northamcaretrust.co.uk
Telephone: 01237 477238
Rose Hill Community Projects
Heywood Road
Bideford EX39 3PG
Outcomes Projects Manager
Mark Jordan
Email: markjordan@northamcaretrust.co.uk
Telephone: 01237 426999
Rose Hill Community Projects
Heywood Road
Bideford EX39 3PG