WITH Christmas fast approaching and planning for the new year already under way, Melksham Seniors is on the hunt for more volunteers to support older people in the community.
Brian Warwick, chair of the group said, “As we head towards the festive season life gets rather hectic for those organising all the different events the Seniors are holding to tackle loneliness amongst many of our senior citizens.
“As well as our film show and activity club, plans are going well to once again have a super Christmas Party and entertainment on the 18th December at the Assembly Hall. Tickets are now on sale at Melksham Tourist Information Centre in Church Street and will also be available at our activity club on the 4th December at the Forest Community Centre starting at 1.30pm.
“This month we have also been out and about putting on private film matinees in the community to small groups of hard-to-reach older people. They have been so successful and enjoyed by so many lonely, older people that we intend to undertake to do some more in the new year.
“Plans are now in hand for an expansion of our activities in the New Year, though we shall only be able to achieve our target if we have sufficient support and help from more volunteers.
“We are always delighted to see our events getting such great turnouts and being so well appreciated, but do please consider how you can also help us to succeed in making life better for others, we would love to have you and perhaps a friend or family member on board to help improve the quality of life for others
“It does not necessarily have to be getting involved in our regular events, for we would be pleased to have the help of individuals with IT skills in helping us to improve our website and/or keeping it updated. We would love to put together a newsy regular newsletter, if you love writing or fancy helping with graphic skills, then we would be delighted to hear from you; any other suggestions are always welcome.
“Unfortunately, due to a family illness we have just lost the help of Lynne, our admin officer, and we are desirous of obtaining the help of an enthusiastic person with secretarial and admin skills to keep us on the straight and narrow, additional Excel and finance skills would be a real boon.
“On a more serious side, we are hearing more concerns about decisions being imposed by surgeries and the NHS without, we believe, adequate consultation. The recently announced repeat prescription service now requiring a telephone call a week ahead of needing a new supply of your medication being a typical example. There are many hidden dangers facing the more vulnerable older citizens which we are presently discussing with the NHS/CCG.
“Melksham Senior Forum is having direct discussion with health providers to make arrangements for a presentation and discussion with an officer from the CCG, which will take place after the festive season. We shall publicise the meetings in the Melksham News.”
