Selwyn Centre opens in Te Atatu

Older people in Te Atatu now have the chance to meet others and socialise in the friendly, caring environment of a Selwyn Centre at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 32 Taikata Road, Te Atatu Peninsula.

The Centre is open once a week, offering a programme of social games, gentle exercise, morning tea, outings and excursions, all for a nominal fee per guest.

Part-funded by The Selwyn Foundation, one of New Zealand’s largest charitable aged care providers, the Centres are for older adults who live alone and/or 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.

“No matter how many friends you have in your life, or fun and laughter, there is always room for more.  That is exactly what I have found when visiting the Selwyn Centres that are already open in Auckland. Te Atatu residents, it is now your turn to join in and enjoy the same,” says St Paul’s Selwyn Centre coordinator, Jane Deane. “We offer fun, friendship, and gentle excerise to work off the homemade morning teas.”

More than 600 people over the age of 65 with varying levels of independence and mobility now attend one of 27 Selwyn Centres each week, and there are plans to open more Centres this year. Loneliness can be a serious health issue for the elderly, and research indicates that social interaction with others directly influences the general health of older people.  It can also bring psychological benefits, such as delaying the onset of dementia.

Te Atatu’s Selwyn Centre is open from 9.30 am until 11.30 am. Contact Jane Deane on 412 8550 or 027 825 7269 for more information. Costs $3 each session (including morning tea).

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