A ground-breaking project to put a spring in the step of older people is proving a big hit.
The Passion for Life scheme has been launched by Cartrefi Conwy and the initial pilot programme is also open to tenants of other housing associations in North Wales.
The scheme enables older people to take control and identify small steps to improve their health and wellbeing.
The tenants are taking part in a series of monthly sessions which include guest speakers, interactive fun activities and the opportunity to develop a new circle of friends.
The scheme is being run by Cartrefi Conwy’s Older Person’s Engagement Co-ordinator, Nerys Veldhuizen, and Neighbourhood Management Trainee Alexandra Weaver.
Nerys said: “We started Passion for Life sessions earlier in the year and I’m delighted with the feedback from the participants, they are clearly gaining a great deal from them.
“The sessions are centred around the main themes of movement, social networks, health and wellbeing and safety in the home. And we are also trying to encourage social inter-action and engagement which can help reduce social isolation.”
“It’s vital older tenants don’t allow their age, or anything else, get in the way of improving their independence and quality of life. We want to encourage change and help tenants improve, and in some cases change, their social circle while improving their health and wellbeing.
“The guest speakers we have brought in have been particularly well received. We have included, among others, a police community safety officer, members of the Red Cross, who have given advice on first aid and accident prevention and a fire safety officer who is currently seconded to Cartrefi Conwy.
“All have given advice and support to tenants and encouraged them to make simple changes that could help prevent accidents, fires and make them become more security conscious.
“But the sessions, which are tailored to the needs and desires of each particular group, are also about making friends and enjoying their company.”
Ann Wright, 76, a Cartrefi Conwy tenant of Y Fron, Old Colwyn, describes the Passion for Life sessions as brilliant.
She said: “I really look forward to coming along as I get to meet new people and the inter-action is great.
“I’m also learning new skills and important little things about home safety and security that I never realised, simple things that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping safe.
“The atmosphere is so relaxed and I do believe Cartrefi Conwy do a good job when it comes to things like this. Even if I wasn’t to learn anything of benefit, and I have, it’s still a nice way to meet new friends and a chance to socialise.”
Jessica Evans, 78, a tenant of Clwyd Alyn Housing Association’s Hafan Gwydir, Extra Care Project, also really enjoys the sessions.
She said: “It’s a good way to get out and socialise, meet new people while learning little things that are going to help keep us all safe. I particularly enjoyed the first aid instruction.
“It’s wonderful that Cartrefi Conwy invite tenants of other housing associations along to the sessions. I have particularly enjoyed meeting and making new friends.”
Hefina Jones, 84, a tenant of North Wales Housing’s Taverners Court in Llandudno is a big fan of the project.
She said: “Although not a tenant of Cartrefi Conwy I do attend quite a few events, such as exercise classes, that are run by them. I think the Passion for Life sessions have been excellent and really helpful.”
Guest speaker Ifan Richard Hughes MBE, North Wales Police’s Crime Reduction Manager, was delighted to be involved.
He said: ““For me it’s a real opportunity to get some important messages across about how we can prevent older people in particular from becoming victims of crime. Mostly, however, it’s about reassuring people that North Wales is a very safe area in which to live.
“However, we can make it even safer by offering simple advice and making people aware of current crime trends. We have an excellent working relationship with Cartrefi Conwy and work very much in partnership to improve security for all tenants.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue home support safety officer Chad Rogerson was equally enthusiastic about the value of the scheme.
He said: “I’m currently on a year’s secondment to Cartrefi Conwy, who are funding my role. It’s my aim, over 12 months, to speak to every tenant and to get some important home safety messages across.
“The Passion for Life sessions are an ideal way to speak to a number of older tenants at the same time. And as the sessions are informal I find tenants are happy to ask lots of questions and it’s clear they are really interested in what I have to say.
“It’s about encouraging them to make small changes such as not overloading electricity sockets, not having wires trailing from appliances, ensuring smoke alarms are working and having a fire escape emergency plan in place.”
“The Passion for Life sessions are certainly well attended and a really good way to help older tenants make some small, but important, changes that can only have a positive effect on their quality of life and general well-being.”
The Passion for Life Programme will be rolled out across Conwy county. For more information contact Nerys Veldhuizen on 0300 124 0040 or by email: nerys.veldhuizen@cartreficonwy.org
