A report by DEMOS (2019) found that 6m older people (55+) are physically inactive and of those 50% are completely inactive, doing no exercise whatsoever. This costs the NHS over £90m per year and lead to a lot of older people having fall and not being able to get out and about in the communityContinue reading Exercise – 10today and can you spot Bernard
Circus Skills at the Drama Group
Our first workshop of the Summer Drama Workshops at CGN was held on Wed June 5th 2019. Whilst future workshops will be based round improvisation and developing a drama production, this weeks opener was on Circus Skillsd. It was led by Poppy Avison-Fell, a performer and practitioner which led us to explore using swinging Poi,Continue reading Circus Skills at the Drama Group
Training session for volunteers Feb 14th
CGN offers regular training sessions for its volunteers and staff, and recognises the importance and benefits to investing time, money and energy into its workforce. After all they are the ones giving front line support to local older residents on a very regular basis. February 14th ( Valentine’s day!) saw 25 volunteers and staff comeContinue reading Training session for volunteers Feb 14th
Defibrillator demonstration
Today on Thursday 18th October we welcomed Cath Brownhill and Jenny Slee who came to give a free talk and demo of how the defibrillator works. Especially important since we now have a defibrillator at CGN. In fact Monday 16th October was “world resuscitation and Save a life day” . 21 volunteers and older members from CGNContinue reading Defibrillator demonstration
“Lovechester 1970s – What Are You Doing Sunday Baby”
The Good Neighbours drama workshops ( 10 sessions funded through a NIF grant ) have culminated in a performance to be held at HOME (Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film, art &music), We present “Lovechester 1970s – What Are You Doing Sunday Baby” a comedy based in the 1970’s , written by local volunteer and playwright NakibContinue reading “Lovechester 1970s – What Are You Doing Sunday Baby”
Drama workshops: week 6, visit from the Royal Echange
This week (09-05-18) we welcomed Andy Barry from the Royal Exchange Theatre, together with three of his Royal Exchange elders company- members over the age of 60 who develop performance skills and indeed, put on performances Andy made sure that the workshops took place in a very relaxed and supportive manner and it was greatContinue reading Drama workshops: week 6, visit from the Royal Echange
‘Arts should be available on prescription’
‘Arts should be available on prescription’ This article on the BBC website, describes what Chorlton Good Neighbours already does: https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/arts-should-be-available-on-prescription/p064lnfp Here is what Helen, our coordinator says: “This is exactly what we do and can do more of but the question remains – who is going to fund this? As often we need skilled facilitatorsContinue reading ‘Arts should be available on prescription’
Chorlton Good Neighbours Stage Production supported by Royal Exchange Theatre
Chorlton Good Neighbours Stage Production supported by Royal Exchange Theatre Royal Exchange Theatre’s Andy Barry is bringing his Elders Company to Chorlton Good Neighbours (CGN) for a free public workshop on May 9th 2018 at 10am. Open to all aged 60+ in South Manchester. Places are limited so book early! The workshop gives retiredContinue reading Chorlton Good Neighbours Stage Production supported by Royal Exchange Theatre
Volunteer information sessions in April
Three volunteer information sessions took place in April. The first session, led by Chris Marsden, focussed on revisiting the guidelines and boundaries that CGN volunteers work within. This also included: what makes a good volunteer how we need sometimes to say ‘no’ Thinking about our own values and attitudes and the different approacheswe use inContinue reading Volunteer information sessions in April
Drama workshop, week 2
26 people turned up for the second drama workshop on Wednesday (11-04-18). It included many new people who had heard about what the sessions were like and wanted to find out more. It was another hugely enjoyable session. A series of exercises led by Emily meant that we moved via simple wordplay and physical activitiesContinue reading Drama workshop, week 2
Chorlton Good Neighbour’s Drama Workshops for 60+
Chorlton Good Neighbour’s Drama Workshops for 60+ “You’re never too old to try something fun and new!” STARTING IN MARCH 2018 An exciting 10 week course of workshops which will gently introduce you to the world of The Stage. For 2 hours a week on Wednesdays mornings you will enjoy creating and performing in anContinue reading Chorlton Good Neighbour’s Drama Workshops for 60+
The importance of exercising
The importance of exercising at an older age Some facts and figures from Age UK (Later Life in the United Kingdom, Dec 2017) Of women aged 65-74, 35% are overweight & 28% obese.Of men aged 65-74, 53% are overweight & 23% obese Of people aged 75+ plus, only 7% take the minimum levels of physicalContinue reading The importance of exercising
Access to Technology for Older People Phil Robinson’s research for CGN Phil Robinson, a CGN volunteer who is also an IT specialist, has recently developed an access to technology questionnaire for older people. This has been completed by CGN users and by people in sheltered housing in Brook Court (6) and Ivycourt (20). Approximately 70Continue reading
New volunteer training session at CGN
On Wednesday 1st November 7 new volunteers came for a session with CGN trainer Debra McCallion covering topics such as What is working well with the volunteering What are the challenges , in particular around 1-1 home visiting Revision of volunteer boundaries Confidentiality and safeguarding CGN is still receiving inquiries from young people in fullContinue reading New volunteer training session at CGN
Chorlton Good Neighbours hosts Age Friendly event
Chorlton Good Neighbours hosts Age Friendly Whalley Range and Chorlton event On Thursday 10thNovember just under 90 people attended another successful event held at Chorlton Good Neighbours. Organised by Helen Hibberd, Co ordinator of CGN, and Chris Ricard and Loren Grant from the local Age Friendly Team, a series of speakers from various healthContinue reading Chorlton Good Neighbours hosts Age Friendly event