Older People’s Day: celebrating the work at Rockspring Community Centre in Ludlow
To mark Older People’s Day this week (Sunday 1 October 2017), we are continuing to raise the profile of active senior residents in Shropshire’s communities.
Older People’s Day is part of the annual United Nations ‘International Day of Older Persons’ and is dedicated to commemorating the achievements of elderly people in our communities.
This year’s theme is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”, and today’s story is from the Rockspring Community Centre in Ludlow.
Rocksprings Community Centre, Ludlow
The centre hosts a number of clubs, activities and schemes for local people, as well as having meeting rooms for hire, with the aim of building confidence, encouraging friendships and supporting people in any way they can. Each week they hold a community lunch, choir and, through the summer months, a community garden.
Sheila Adams volunteers at the centre following her decision to retire, after breaking her arm last winter:
“After breaking my arm at Christmas and being told that it would be a long process to get it right, I decided that the time had come for me to retire.
“For the first six weeks and with my arm in a sling, I didn’t really feel like doing anything, but as I began to feel better and could do more, the boredom started to take hold. What to do?
“Well, The Rockspring Community Centre is literally a two- minute walk from my house so I decided to look on their website to see if there were any courses that would suit me and that’s when I saw that they were asking for volunteers. In for a penny, in for a pound, I rang and spoke to Di Hyde and arranged to meet up with her. As a result I now do three afternoons a week and am really enjoying it. A bit of reception and a bit of accounts, or anything they want me to do really.
“I was made to feel welcome from the beginning and have met a lovely bunch of people. Thanks Rockspring for helping me to get motivated and to start enjoying my retirement.
“I would recommend it to anyone who has a bit too much time on their hands and would like to help this lovely well run scheme.”
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, said:
“We want to celebrate the contribution older people make in society and within the Shropshire community in particular.
“Many older people are already taking part in many activities, like Sheila at Rockspring Community Centre. We hope that raising the profile of older people’s talents and contributions throughout this week, will encourage participation from those who may not be involved in anything, and inspire them to join others.”
Advice and information to help you remain independent for longer
Supporting older people and looking after their needs is key to ensuring their well-being and integration into our communities.
For those seniors or their families with access to a computer, there’s a host of information and advice on our Shropshire Choices website to help you remain independent for longer. Visit www.shropshirechoices.org.uk.
