New social morning for older folk in Chichester

Karen Haskett is running the new meetings at the Community Hall, Donegall Avenue, Roussillon Park, on Mondays from 10am to 12.30pm.

Open to anyone aged 50 and over, the meetings offer refreshments to start, with board games, quizzes, bingo and chat, depending on what the group wants to do.

An optional, gentle, chair-based exercise class takes place at 11am. The cost is £2 for the social morning, or £4 to include the exercise class.

The idea is to expand on the many activities already offered by the charity at The Laburnum Centre, in Lyon Street, Bognor Regis.

Gary Hardley, centre manager, explained: “There is not much for the older people in the area.

“We want to get involved and change that. We are trying to do it off our own bat, without additional funding.

“We are trying to promote wellbeing and to encourage people to get out of the house. It is a beautiful hall and it will be quite fun if we can build up the attendance.”

Contact Karen Haskett on 01243 827185 for more information. Door-to-door transport can be arranged through Sammy Community Transport on 01243 827821.

Age UK was created in April 2009, bringing together almost 120 years of shared history of working with and for older people.

The National Old People’s Welfare Committee was formed during the second world war and the West Sussex branch launched in 1957. The committee later changed its name to Age Concern and in 2009, joined with Help the Aged to form Age UK.

Mr Hardley said big events are planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary next year.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.chichester.co.uk/christmas/