Activity packs aim to lift older people’s spirits

Date issued: 2 September 2020

Colchester Borough Council has joined forces with Age Concern Colchester and several other organisations, including livewell, to launch a scheme to help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of older people who have been shielding during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Essex Local Delivery Pilot-funded project is set to deliver 250 packs containing practical advice on staying healthy, tailored exercises, and tools to increase physical activity at home. The aim is to brighten spirits and help people feel less isolated, giving them the confidence to leave their own home safely when the time is right.

Each pack contains:

• a nutritional guide, written by Arthritis Action, to help promote healthier eating choices and boost people’s confidence to try new healthier recipes
• a knitting guide, featuring project designs and information, supplied by Age Concern, encourages people to learn or develop an existing skill 
• books and advice on combating loneliness, supplied by Independent Age
• exercise sheets, developed by Clare Blackwell, a local Pilates instructor, on how to use exercise bands
• fabric face masks donated by Colchester Community Mask / Face Covering Tree

Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “I am delighted the council has been able to facilitate this important and timely initiative to help lift the spirits of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“Social isolation is a sad fact of life for many older people – and that’s without the added complications and loneliness brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Supporting physical activity is more important than ever to help our older residents make positive changes to their physical and mental health.
“I am certain these packs will be welcomed by everyone who receives them, and I would like to thank the other organisations whose contribution has made this project possible.”

Simon Prestney, CEO of Age Concern Colchester, added: Simon Prestney, CEO of Age Concern Colchester, added: “Many people who we are in contact with still do not leave the house and anything that can break the cycle of loneliness and get people active is definitely worth working on together. It is great to partner with Colchester Borough Council and other organisations on this project, to make life better in later years.”

Age Concern Colchester and Community 360 will be distributing the packs over the coming days.