It’s a Warm welcome from Age UK Bolton as face to face services return
Published on 17 June 2021 01:55 PM
Over the past few weeks Age UK Bolton has been able to reengage with clients in the local community as it has begun to resume the face to face sessions that it provides.
Back in March 2020, Age UK Bolton found itself unable to engage face to face with its clients and other members of the local community. Services such as Information and Advice had to move to a purely phone led service, exercise classes migrated to Zoom and Facebook live, and though these changes were done successfully, and with great feedback from clients, there is no true substitute for the face to face service and that personal touch. On top of these changes lots of enrichment sessions and activities had to be halted all together, but thankfully as the restrictions are eased, the Charity has made the first tentative steps towards normal service being resumed.
Over the past few weeks the Strength and Balance classes have restarted with limited numbers at various places including The Farnworth Ageing Well Centre (formerly the Farnworth Learning and Activities Centre), Farnworth Library, Blackrod Community Centre and Smithills Hall. As part of these resumed activities clients have been enjoying group exercise sessions, Tai Chi classes and gentle dance.
Strength and Balance coach Laura Williams said “I am so excited to be back teaching face to face. Being able to support and encourage my clients in person is a breath of fresh air. Classes have such a positive energy and you can tell everyone is so pleased to be back exercising together again. I have missed everyone so much and I am looking forward to welcoming more people back to class soon.”
Over in Farnworth at the Ageing Well Centre, Anne Marie has been offering holistic therapy taster sessions which have seen clients enjoying massage, hot stones and aromatherapy.
Ageing Well Manager Lesley Simm said “It has been such a pleasure to be able to start up some new physical and holistic therapy classes, at our Ageing Well Centre, (formerly Learning & Activities Centre) and welcome back familiar and new-to-us faces. The Centre is 21 this year and has been empty for such a while, it has really needed people back in it, our community is the life blood of what we do and we have missed everyone so much.”
Lesley continued regarding the important matter of making the return Covid-safe saying “The Covid-secure facilities we have in place, such as screens, PPE, sanitiser and new tables and chairs, have reassured everyone attending and they told us how they feel safe and more confident getting back out and about with us.”
With this foundation, Age UK Bolton hopes to rebuild its activities and events to the local community with its brand-new walking football sessions set to start on the 22nd of June, and exhibit of local photographs and memories on the 19th-30th of July at Bolton Library, in association with the Museum of Youth Culture.
To find out about what activities and events will be going on at Age UK Bolton, and how you can join in, visit ageukbolton.org.uk or call 01204 382411