Melksham Seniors 2013 review

BRIAN Warwick, co-ordinator, Melksham & District Seniors 55+ Forum reports on the many activities and events of the forum during last year, and also a new initiative for 2014. 

“2013 has been a rather exciting year for Melksham Seniors with so many great moments including our first Christmas Party.

“One of our initial projects was helping people to leave their ivory towers and socialise by creating the very popular film club, which at present meets monthly and is bringing people together to provide a range of other activities; we also have more projects at the planning stage.

“We were pleased that recently the Area Board supported the Melksham Seniors social isolation IT project grant request. The Seniors IT team are doing a fantastic job using Apple tablets and iPhones in helping to overcome social isolation which is a huge killer particularly in rural areas and a heavy cost on the council’s budget. We as a small group are trying hard to do our best to relieve some of those aspects of loneliness that often happen to older people as their family move to distant parts for job opportunities etc. Our IT project using tablets to link people to friends and family, is just a small way in which we are doing our best to help such people overcome depression and loneliness, which are often a key reason for poor health amongst our older citizens.

“The project is very simple, many older people would run away from the idea of using a computer, but showing them how by using a tablet they can see a picture and chat with members of their family, speak to friends, grandchildren etc without the need to have any knowledge of computers is most acceptable in most cases. They can also keep their brain and mind active by having access to a huge library of reading matter and excellent games, crosswords and similar facilities that make you concentrate and find stimulating.

“Also the fact that so many young people in family circles have iPhone’s /iPad’s with Facebook aps, is a bonus, for it means that we are frequently able to relink many grandparents into their family circle and beyond, using the IT iPad facilities.   One lady told us that thanks to our project the family had bought their elderly mother an iPad, she now regularly speaks and sees her grandchildren in the USA, now the family keep in touch with Mum every day, and without her realising they can by seeing her, monitor how she looks that day. These are not the full answers to loneliness but it is a small start in our task of breaking down social isolation, those barriers that often create that feeling of loneliness, depression and often despair.

“Our friendship group is also doing well but we do want more volunteers to host such events.

“Since the beginning of the year we have held a number of consultation events with seniors under the theme of ‘friendship groups’ – over a cup of tea and cake where many of you have told us about your experience of the ageing journey.  We have been given a lot of information from local residents on their views of what is needed on the new campus and how it should cater for all ages. We have been told how much people enjoy the monthly film show and discussions that take place at senior meetings. We also have heard about some interesting experiences and increased our knowledge of the practical issues facing many older people and what could be done to overcome problems around social isolation. We would love to hear from more organisations and individuals prepared to host a ‘friendship group’ session – particularly those representing seldom heard/hard to reach members of our community.

“We shall also be supporting the Free Friendship Phone Service for Older People which has recently been launched. The free 24-hour dedicated helpline, also known as ‘The Silver Line’, aims to combat loneliness in the ‘over 65s’ by providing friendship, information and advice. The number is 0800 470 8090 and is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The line will be managed by trained volunteers and the chair, Ms Rantzen, hopes the number will be remembered when older people need friendship or advice. Finally, but not least, Melksham and District Seniors would like to thank the following for their continuous support and assistance: Ian drew and his staff at Melksham News, Enara Care, Melksham Town Council; Staff of the Melksham Assembly Hall, Melksham Community Area Board; Melksham Community Area Partnership; Wiltshire Council and Selwood Housing for their kind support throughout the year.

“The dates of the 2014 film programmes at the assembly hall have been amended slightly from those published in our recent Newsletter. They are Jan 20th, Feb 10th, March 24th, April 14, May 19th, June 23rd, July 21st, August 18th, Sept 8th, Oct 13th, Nov 17th, Dec 15th. We are keen to learn of your favourite film from a past era so that it can be considered for one of the Film Club presentations.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in participating in any events or supporting the projects we are developing, we would be delighted to hear from you and hear what you desire your Senior Forum to do in 2014 and beyond. Contact: Brian Warwick, co-ordinator Melksham & District Seniors 55+ Forum – Post: c/o Melksham TIC, Church Street, SN12 6LS. Tel: 01225 792959. Email: melkseniors 55@gmail.com

“We would like to take this opportunity of wishing all Melksham citizens all the very best for 2014.”