Getting out & about can seem like a mammoth task, especially if you’re older or living with health conditions or disabilities. But the benefits of getting out of the house, getting involved in activities and feeling part of your local community cannot be overstated.
Last Friday we took part in an event run by a local charity, Together Co. One of their services is to provide a befriending service to people feeling isolated and alone. The event was part of Loneliness Awareness week and Together Co put on a brilliant range of activities for people to get involved in. All activities required some physical effort, but were accessible and tailored to the individual needs of those attending. Exercise from a chair is just as valid.
Mental wellbeing
In addition to the benefit of doing some physical exercise though, it was the sheer feeling of mental wellbeing and fun created by taking part in a collective event that struck us. So many smiles. Mr Motivator (remember him?) led a brilliant activity session. He then talked very movingly about isolation and the need for us all to make connections. And how the effects of one meaningful connection can provide goodwill and happiness which can last for days. We at Home & Company certainly made lots of lovely connections with local people and left feeling energised and happy.
Interestingly this June we also attended the annual Ageing Well conference in Brighton, organised by Impact Initiatives. They provide many of the Ageing Well activities and events in the city. Their main message of the day was about providing access to activities that people actually want and have asked for and that everyone, no matter how old, can get involved in. The keynote speaker, Ann Hemingway, Professor of Public Health and Wellbeing, talked about blurring the boundaries between people attending services or activities and those providing them. That was something that the Together Co event did brilliantly. It wasn’t obvious who was a befriender or who was a befriendee – just lots of people coming together and having a good time. The conference also highlighted the needs for more isolated groups, such as those identifying as LGBTQ+, to access services and activities. Saying groups are “hard to reach” isn’t good enough!
What’s on?
Here at Home & Company we make it our business to know what’s available and what’s going on. Please do contact us if you’d like to know what’s on offer and we can signpost you.
How do we get out & about?
Of course getting out & about is easier said than done, we know. If you would like someone to accompany you to an activity our team would love to help. And remember they come with their car. Equally if you would just like to go for coffee or for a short walk in the countryside our team are here to help.
If getting the bus is too much for you these days perhaps getting a taxi would make all the difference? Did you know that in Brighton and Hove you can redeem taxi vouchers worth £70 each year in lieu of a bus pass. Here are the details.https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking-and-travel/taxi-vouchers
Taking part in activities and getting out into the community have a huge positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Do get in touch with Home & Company if we can help you.