EURODIACONIA AWARD HIGHLY COMMENDED 2012 In Search of the Good Life, Engelsborg community centre Norway
Engelsborg is an integrated community centre for people of all ages the city of Oslo, Norway. Volunteers range in age from 24 to 93 years old. The most common beneficiaries of the services at the centre are age 65 or above. It was designed to be a natural meeting place for people in the community to come, network, and participate in various activities. There are many services provided in many fields, including sport, language courses, lectures, practical care, worship services, and multiple cultural and social opportunities. The centre believes in holistic care for its patrons, with attention to mind, body, and spirit. In the neighbourhood where the centre is located there is a rising population of older people. Many of the social problems that are often experienced by an ageing population were common here, too: alcoholism, isolation, and intense loneliness. The goal in founding the centre was to provide a safe place for people to come and get involved in the community. The services offered at Engelsborg are designed to appeal to people of various backgrounds, and one of the aims is to encourage the acceptance of differences between people. Even the menu in the cafeteria was designed with this in mind; offerings range from lighter options that would appeal to younger patrons to more traditional food and Danish pastries. The idea is that there is a space for everybody at the Engelsborg Centre.
Ageing Well: Together
Engelsborg is staffed by 14 paid employees and 100 volunteers, all of various backgrounds and skill sets. Funding comes from the government, private donors, and revenue from sales at the Centre.
(Member: Church City Mission Oslo) Engelsbord ressurssenter for elder og pürørende Oslo, Norway +47 23 42 24 10 Anita.Ellefsen@bymisjon.no http://bit.ly/engelsborg
Eurodiaconia Award Highly Commended 2012
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