On the 7th December, Halifax Academy Primary School, High Five and the Staying Well project held an over 50s event with over 80 local residents and local community groups to talk about how we can all work together to help lonely and socially isolated people living in the Warley ward.
The event also included a number of taster sessions including kurling and gentle exercise and entertainment that was provided by both primary and secondary pupils from the school and High Five’s own ‘Singing for Fun’ group.
Many thanks to NHS Falls Prevention team, Age UK, Community Connections Befriending Service, Better Living Team and West Yorkshire Police who were on hand to offer advice and information regarding their services.
The project works one to one with people who were isolated or lonely to link them to social activities in their area.
It is estimated in Calderdale there are 11,520 people aged over 65 and that 1 in 5 are mildly lonely (over 2300) and another 1 in 10 are intensely lonely (over 1152). If these trends continue than by 2029, people aged 75 and over who are lonely will reach over 25,000.
So far a total of 779 people have been referred to the programme. And we estimate between 2500 – 3000 people benefited from Staying Well activities over the pilot period.
“Didn’t we have a wonderful time at the Staying Well event at the beginning of Dec! High Five singers provided some of the entertainment. Lots of people attended the Gentle exercise sessions and seemed to enjoy themselves. Let’s hope that they are inspired to keep up the exercise and even to join us for a class in the future.” – Sue Watson High Five
“What a fantastic afternoon I’ve had, I really lovely day out! “ Local resident
“The event was a great success! There’s plenty of work to do to address some of the barriers people face in accessing activities but I’m really confident that in Warley there are loads of people willing to promote and support the project” – Hayley Conlon, Staying Well Worker
Staying Well is about helping you to stay healthy and improve wellbeing. Referrals are for anyone 18+ and can include a chat with a Staying Well worker, a home visit and information and support to attend activities in your area.
If you know someone who could benefit from our service, please contact the Staying Well Team on 01422 392767 or email stayingwellproject@calderdale.gov.uk
