TUESDAYS: A Favourite Day of The Week for Local Seniors

For The Place: Charlestown Community Centre, providing opportunities for community connection and social interaction are crucial.

 Through their programs and initiatives, they see firsthand the many benefits of people coming together to meet, connect, belong and grow. Charlestown Square Tuesday Club: Inclusive Connections is one of their programs with a rich history of community and connection, lifelong friendships and a strong sense of belonging.

For 46 years, the program has been a cornerstone of connection for seniors, meeting on Tuesday mornings to share a cup of tea, laugh together, and enjoy a wide range of activities.

Members enjoy a program filled with experiences that are fun, enriching, and engaging. Recently, the group has delighted in comedy performances, vibrant cultural celebrations, gentle wellness sessions, a Hollywood-themed mystery morning, and a range of creative arts activities. Of course, no Tuesday Club would be complete without casual chats over a delicious morning tea, a simple but much-loved ritual that makes everyone feel at home. As one male participant put it: “There are limited social groups for men - I thoroughly enjoy the friendly social interaction, learning new skills and attending diverse events.” This has highlighted just how important opportunities for connection are for everyone.

While Tuesday Club Inclusive Connections is built on social interaction, it’s much more than a weekly gathering. For many, Tuesday Club is a highlight of the week and a vital part of their lives. One long-term group member in her 80s and living alone said that she would feel very “lonely” if she didn’t have the group to come to. Another participant shared, “It’s definitely good for new friendships and companionship. You also learn new things, and it gives you something to look forward to on a Tuesday. Nothing to lose by joining, everything to gain!”

As Tuesday Club continues to grow and evolve, its heart remains the same: providing seniors with a place to meet, connect, have fun and belong. With each new activity and each new friendship, the program reinforces the importance of community and the joy that comes from sharing life together.

Tuesday Club Inclusive Connections extends a warm welcome to all seniors in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle and offers a complimentary first visit. For more info, contact the team at The Place Charlestown on (02) 4032 5500 or email programsassistant@theplacecharlestown.org.au.