A new project to encourage older Orpington residents to socialise has successfully launched and is seeking new members
The new project encourages older Orpington residents to socialise whilst using their skills or learning new ones, such as woodwork, knitting and sewing.
BTSE Associate Members Age Concern Orpington have been running Saxon Day Centre in central Orpington for nearly 30 years.
In Autumn 2021 they were successful in their bid to the Bromley Well Innovation Fund (supported by the London Borough of Bromley) to pilot a Community Workshop (Men’s Shed) and Craft Activities (Ladies Lounge) at the Centre.
Men’s Shed and Ladies Lounge
Two groups are running – the Men’s Shed and the Ladies Lounge. Both aim to bring people together in a space where they can feel comfortable, be engaged in fun, productive activities and put the world to rights over a cup of tea. It’s about friendship, working together, sharing expertise and learning new skills.
Starting in January 2022
Shed activities on offer include recycling second hand materials into items such as bird tables and bird boxes or upcycling old furniture to give it a second lease of life.
Lounge activities include up-cycling, knitting, sewing, macramé, paper crafting, jewellery.
Volunteering Opportunities
It’s long been recognised that volunteering is good for health and wellbeing, giving people the opportunity to use their broader skills and providing a sense of purpose. A key part of the project is providing volunteering opportunities for local residents as well as those using the day centre or linked with the centre.
Supporting unpaid carers
The final element of the project is the potential to provide much needed respite for unpaid carers in the area as their “cared for” attends the projects or any of the other activities at the centre.
Find out more
Age Concern Orpington would love to hear from you if you’d like to attend or volunteer.
Telephone 01689 830055 for any enquiries about attending the day centre or to book a space at the Shed or Lounge.
All events are held at the Saxon Centre, Lych Gate Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 0TJ. There is a small fee to cover costs of materials at the Shed and Lounge.
