Melksham and District Seniors 55+ Forum will be hosting a meeting with Melksham Area Board on Thursday 9th July to raise awareness of combatting loneliness in the area.
The Seniors’ forum is inviting the local community to take part in the meeting and help to improve the quality of life for older people in the community.
Group co-ordinator Brian Warwick said, “A key aim of the Seniors is to support the area board in tackling loneliness and social isolation in our local community, along with other issues that detract from removing barriers between generations.
“Early in July we shall be jointly hosting an afternoon meeting with Melksham Area Board to explore ways in which we can improve the well-being of seniors in our community area.
“We are aware that loneliness and isolation are common problems amongst older people and do have a profound detrimental effect on many aspects of health. They can increase the occurrence of health risks associated with depression, smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle. It is actually recognised as a major killer in our society and is not just restricted to older people.
“Group activities are extremely helpful in breaking down barriers and we need to generate more opportunities to extend our social circles and reach out to our communities in more innovative ways.
“Melksham Area Board and Melksham Seniors are keen to tackle these problems head on by encouraging greater community partnership and promoting group activities. We are keen to see the likes of village and community halls being used almost 12 hours a day with different events for all our age groups.
“We have great facilities in our sheltered housing complexes that organisations such as Selwood Housing would love to see being used for tenants and the wider community.
“Kestrel Court, Rowley Place, and Thornbank have excellent facilities and, although used by some community groups, there is a great opportunity for far more activities supported by Mihomecare who do a really fantastic job with our own Seniors’ group during the day.
“Please keep the afternoon of Thursday 9th July free for our meeting with the area board at which we hope to see many of you; more information to follow.”
For more information on the Melksham and District Seniors 55+ Forum contact Brian Warwick on brian.warwick@mac.com
