Ageing Well Torbay Newsletter - Spring 2017

Ageing Well Torbay

Spring 2017

Newsletter

Symposium and art competition announced Project

By Richard James, Festival Steering Group Member

Building on the success of the 2016 festival we will be adding a brand new, free event to 2017, a Symposium of ideas, which will be taking place on Saturday 6th May 2017 at Central Church, Tor Hill Road, Torquay. At the Symposium there will be talks, dancing, workshops, arts and crafts and professional advice. Everyone is welcome!

Contacts: Circles of Support

01803 323510

Community One of our themes for 2017 is ‘intergenerational connections.’ As a way Builders to encourage better relationships and understanding we are holding an Art and Poetry competition that will be open to people of all ages, with the theme of Ageing Well in Torbay. People can express with a drawing, painting or a poem how they feel about getting older in Torbay, or explore their perceptions of older people. It could be about someone you know or even a place that people go. There is plenty of room for your imagination!

All art and poems will be judged by an independent panel including poetry expert Robert Garnham. Winners will receive prizes including vouchers. We would like to encourage everyone to enter, have a go, and join in the fun!!

Send your artwork or poetry to the Artizan Gallery, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW before the 21st April 2017. Please include your name and contact details. Full terms & conditions can be found on www.ageingwelltorbay.com or by phoning Ageing Well Torbay on 01803 212638 Ageing Well Torbay is a 6 year, big lottery funded programme to reduce social isolation in people over the age of 50. The programme is delivered by the following organisations:

01803 212638 Growing Older Together

07852 546530 My Support Broker

0800 994 9944 WEllBeing Co-ordinators

01803 555181

Food for Thought

Over 50s from across Brixham, Paignton and Torquay help to shape the next two years of Ageing Well Torbay.

People from across Torbay have been sharing their views on what life is really like for over 50s during a series of ‘Food for Thought’ events.

Ageing Well Torbay, a six year Big Lottery funded project, will be using the feedback from the recent ‘Food For Thought’ participation events to decide on the next two years of focus for their activities.

To capture the views of as many people as possible, twenty events were held in churches, pubs, community centres, hotels, halls and even a stately home, in neighbourhoods across Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

The consultation officially closed on the 27th February, having run for 3 months.

In that time the team heard from over 400 people through events, feedback postcards and an online survey.

After all of the data has been compiled a

report will be made publicly available.

The page opposite shows a brief summary of reoccurring themes that were discussed at the events.

The Ageing Well Torbay programme has been running for two years, working with seven partner agencies to reduce isolation and loneliness in people over the age of 50.

The programme also runs a yearly Ageing Well Festival, which is curated by a panel of older people and are always looking to encourage more older people to be involved in steering the project.

Sue McDermott, Programme Manager for Ageing Well Torbay says “A number of reoccurring themes have emerged from the consultations including transport issues and more affordable activities and social events, particularly for older men. As well as problems facing people, we are also hearing a strong message that older people want to be part of the solution to loneliness amongst their peer group, with ideas on how to do that, such as neighbourly driving and writing their own guide to retirement.”

Left: June Pierce, Programme Board and Festival Steering Group member for Ageing Well Torbay talks with people at Great Parks Community Centre about the issues that matter to them.

“You told us you wanted�

More help with Computers/technology & local classes Easier Access to information To Stay independent

Befriending and Buddy schemes

more opportunities to socialise A greater variety of affordable activities Affordable and reliable public transport

the opportunity to be part of the solution in ending loneliness and isolation amongst over 50s

Statistics: 3 month consultation window 20 Venues in locations across torbay 419 people contributed

Below: Sue McDermott, Programme Manager for Ageing Well Torbay discusses with a group at Lupton House near Brixham.

What’s on

A few regular Ageing Well events that you might enjoy!

Check our website or your local community magazine for even more things to do.

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Brixham

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Yoga at The Edge on Bolton Street. Friendly classes suitable for all abilities. £5 or donation.

• Monday 5.30 -6.30pm • Tuesday 8.30 -9.30pm • Friday 6pm -7pm (this

is a free class for any Torquay age) Bingo at Kenneth Court, Shiphay every • Sunday 10.30am Tuesday, 7.15pm.Ring Tara Simpson on 07920 650528 for more information.

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Paignton

Computer Club Drop-in at Hookhills Community Centre every Tuesday 10.30am12.30pm beginners and onwards welcome!

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Symposium - 6th May, Central

Church, Tor Hill Road, Torquay FREE EVENT including dancing, storytelling, talks, workshops, arts & crafts, professional advice and free refreshments.

All welcome!

Contact Ageing Well Torbay Ageing Well Torbay 4-8 Temperance street Torquay TQ2 5PU Phone: 01803 212638 Email: ageingwell@torbaycdt.org.uk www.ageingwelltorbay.com

would you like to write a piece or set a puzzle? let us know!

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