Selwyn-Cedars – an antidote to loneliness for older people

Older people in Birkdale and Beach Haven now have the chance to meet others and socialise in the friendly, caring environment of a Selwyn Centre.

The Centre is open on Thursday morning at The Cedar Centre at 56a Tramway Rd, Beach Haven, from 9.30 am to 12 noon. It offers a programme of social games, gentle exercise, morning tea, outings, laughter and good conversation for $3 per guest. Transport is available if needed.

Part-funded by The Selwyn Foundation, one of New Zealand’s largest charitable providers of quality aged care services, the Centre is for people over 65 who live alone or who may be in need of friendship, help and support, regardless of religious or cultural background. Activities are run by a trained coordinator and a team of volunteers, who can also play an advocacy role and liaise with other service agencies on behalf of the guests attending, or offer extra respite care as needed. 

More than 500 people over the age of 65 with varying levels of independence and mobility now attend one of 25 Selwyn Centres each week, with more Centres due to open later this year. Loneliness can be a serious health issue for older people, and research indicates that social interaction with others directly influences general health.  It can also bring psychological benefits, such as delaying the onset of dementia.

“The Cedar Centre is a beautiful, brand new community centre for the people of Birkdale and Beach Haven, and the current ‘Selwyn-Cedars’ are an enthusiastic, fun-loving group who welcome new people from all backgrounds,“ says Centre coordinator, Julia Masters.

For further information, contact Julia on 483 6258, 021 073 4153 or email juliamasters@value.net.nz

A Selwyn Centre also operates in Milford at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 10 Otakau Rd, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30 am to 12 noon. Phone Mary Griffiths on 486 0668 or email marygriffiths@slingshot.co.nz for further details.

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