CGN June Newsletter

Dear All

Thank you to those of you who supported our activity groups during the Chorlton Arts Festival; we appreciated seeing other members at the drama group performance and the Art exhibition. Here are photos of drama members, David and Christine, as Wurzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally, as well as some of the artwork on display.

 

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The drama group are on a short break now resuming on Wednesday 6th July at 10.00am . We would really like to see new members come and join us if you fancy giving it a try – it is very low key, and our actor facilitator Peter Gibson is marvellous at supporting everyone to play to their strengths

We recently had a fantastic time celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Houghend police club with singing, dancing and flag waving so again thank you to everyone who came along and made the event so memorable. And of course, we have re started the monthly Sunday teas, having moved to an earlier slot and having a snack mid-afternoon instead of a big meal. May’s entertainer was little Mo Peters, and everyone got soon back into the swing of chatting, playing bingo, and enjoying the raffle and Arthur’s jokes.

 

Day trip I have sent out a flyer about a forthcoming coach trip to Lytham St Annes. We haven’t organised a meal this time as this will help keep costs down. We also want to see what take up is like, and how people feel after so long without a coach trip, but many of you have been asking about getting some sea air so hopefully you will come and join us.  There are plenty of places to eat in Lytham or along the promenade, and we can ensure everyone is with another small group of people or with a volunteer. Remember to book your seat as soon as you get this letter as places go quickly.

Would you benefit from a 1-1 session with our life coach Debra?

As part of the funding, we receive from the Community lottery fund Debra is able to offer a 1-1 session covering any topic you would like to discuss and explore ways and strategies to support you in that situation. For example, she has supported members to begin trying some new activity or challenge, take steps to minimise anxieties and fears, or chat through concerns about health or family members. If this feels like it might be of benefit, or you would like more info then please get in touch with me.

Would you like to receive emails about other events going on, or possible research you might like to get involved with?

In between the paper newsletters I do send out plenty of emails about activities locally, and in town, which might be of interest to you, or short courses or one-off sessions around a particular health or social theme. I know many of our members have followed up on this information and got involved or benefitted in some way so if you would like your email address being added to our contact list, please let me know. I would always keep your details confidential, and no one would see your email address on a mail out.

Do you claim Pension credit or are thinking about doing so? Manchester University are interested in chatting to older people who are claiming Pension Credit and how they found the process of claiming. Many older people are eligible to claim but don’t claim, so they are interested in finding out what the barriers are. There will be some DWP campaigns about it in the next few weeks. If you are willing to speak with Dr Kingsley Purdam about your experiences, then come back to me and I can arrange for him to chat with you.

Do you look after someone?  

If you look after someone in Manchester, Carers Manchester is here to help you access the support and advice you need. Carers Manchester is a group of organisations, working together to improve services for Manchester’s unpaid carers.   Visit www.carersmanchester.org.uk for more details or sign up to their fortnightly e-newsletter. Carers can also get in touch by:

Remember we are here to help with any small, odd jobs

Our digital drop in is still running each Thursday morning 10-12
if you have issues with your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, or just want to learn how to run a zoom call or use Whatsapp.
If you need a home visit instead then again that can be arranged.

With kind regards

Helen Hibberd, Co ordinator