4 Seniors @ the Bay – an antidote to loneliness for older people

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

The centre is open twice a week at the Church of the Saviour, 2 Heaphy St, Blockhouse Bay from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Mondays and 9:30 am to 1.00 pm on Wednesdays, concluding with lunch. It offers a programme of social games, gentle exercise, morning tea and mental stimulation for a $2 donation per guest. A hot roast dinner is available for a $6 donation, and transport is provided for those living in the Blockhouse Bay area.

Part-funded by The Selwyn Foundation, one of New Zealand’s largest charitable providers of quality aged care services, the Centre is 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.

4 Seniors @ the Bay commenced in 2003 and offers a variety of activities which cater for different abilities and interests. A number of guests choose to attend both sessions each week, and many friendships have been fostered through this group. 

“New people are most welcome to come and see for themselves what we have to offer,” says coordinator, Sylvia Richardson.

More than 500 older people with varying levels of independence and mobility now attend one of 25 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 general health.  It can also bring psychological benefits, such as delaying the onset of dementia.

For further information, please contact Sylvia Richardson on 627 8779 or at sylvia@cots.org.nz      

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