By Noreen Rees
Loneliness and isolation is very much a problem of today. A local charity, MHA Communities is resolved to address this. The organisation works with elderly people and their carers, in several venues in the North Shields area, offering a wide range of activities that people can participate in. These include drop in to chat sessions, lunch and breakfast clubs, an art group, low impact exercise class, quizzes and entertainment. There’s an activity most weekdays, and they’re held in accessible venues, with a nominal cost (Maximum £7 for the lunch club).
One of the regular users says, ‘The social group is something to look forward to, breaks the week up. Conversations to be had, banter to be had, ideas to exchange, outings to be enjoyed, great meals and teas to be enjoyed. Moral support is given if needed, enjoyment all round-also activities to enjoy. Thank you!’
Carers are welcome to attend sessions, or have a well-deserved break to catch up with their own interests and meet their own friends. As one says, ‘I am grateful to MHA helping my mother get out each Tuesday and helping her maintain her independence and dignity, as she has a number of health issues. It gives me peace of mind knowing that she is having a meal and being looked after for a few hours each week spending time in the company of her friends.’
One of the most popular activities is pARTners art group which meets at North Shields Methodist Church on alternate Wednesdays, so elderly people with Dementia and their carers can get together to make art. An event that many people in MHA Communities look forward to every year is the pARTners Summer Exhibition. This year it’s entitled, ‘The Joy of Art’ and will be held at St Mary’s Church, Claremont Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3SF from Friday June 20th to Friday June 27th. The exhibition opens with a viewing and live music event on Friday June 20th,7pm to 9pm. For further information please ring Jayne Thompson, Community Co-ordinator on 07542857089.
So, MHA Communities can help elderly people to learn new skills, enjoy a nourishing meal, make new friends and use their brains! If you know of anyone in the North Shields area and beyond who would benefit, please let them know.
For further information MHA Communities
