Have your say on services and activities for seniors

There will be a special meeting of the Melksham Area Board on Thursday 9th July at 2.00pm, which will focus on services and activities for older people in the Melksham community area.

The workshop will seek to find out from older people what they think about the services currently available and what they would like to see delivered in the future.

“We are particularly keen to review how much loneliness and social isolation affects older people and what thoughts people might have on how we can address this,” said Rhys Schell, community area manager.

“Following the workshop a report will be created by Wiltshire Council highlighting the services that people value, but also identifying any service gaps or areas that can be developed.

“Please come and join us at Melksham Town Hall at 2pm (refreshments available from 1.30pm) to have your say.”

Brian Warwick, the chair and co-ordinator for Melksham Seniors says “The special Melksham Area Board meeting will give older people and organisations, including local churches, the opportunity to talk about the services available for them and what they’d like to see provided in the future. The meeting will take the form of a workshop so older people can have their say about the services currently available and what they would like to see delivered in the future in the Melksham area.

“The area board is particularly keen to review how much loneliness and social isolation can affect older people and what thoughts people might have on how these types of issues can be addressed.

“The range of potential activities is enormous and could include anything from archery & art, to computer classes & digital photography.

“We need your views also on how Wiltshire Council should tackle issues facing an ageing society. The Seniors believe getting involved in activities – and encouraging others in the community to volunteer to devote time and energy in creating opportunities to expand our horizon – can only be a good thing.

“This is the start of something that can be good for us all, for in time we all get older and yet still want that extra bit of fun and enjoyment in our life.

“So please do come along to the special area board meeting and express your own view or those of your organisation on what the Melksham community can do to enhance the quality of life for all older people in the community.”

For more information please contact Rhys Schell, community area manager on 01225 716752 or rhys.schell@wiltshire.gov.uk or call Brian Warwick on 01225 792959

* Melksham Seniors Film Club and the Seniors Monday 55+ Club is now meeting on the first Monday afternoon in the month at the Forest Community Centre with free transport provided. 

Seniors can enjoy a wide range of activities which will be expanded further as numbers grow and demands increase to try something new.

Brian Warwick is keen that older adults who want to get out and be involved in their own community have the opportunity to do so and also improve their own quality of life.

“The Seniors want to develop an amazing range of things to try for everybody,’” he says. “We want other organisations to join us in a true community partnership, making Melksham the best community in Wiltshire in which to grow older and still enjoy life to the full.”