A NEW network for older people living in Warrington aims to unite the town’s 40,000 over-fifties into a strong, supportive and connected community….that has lots of fun.
“LifeTime” has been launched to provide a wide range of enjoyable, informative and educational 
opportunities for older people, together with a lively programme of different social activities across Warrington. It aims to become the banner under which services in the town aimed at the older population can unite, making it easy for people to take advantage of those activities.
Project leader Gerry Kiddle (pictured) said: “There is a wide range of social events, health advice resources, educational and information services for older people in Warrington and we want to expand those services and ensure that the people they are aimed at have the right information.
“By joining LifeTime, people can hear about everything and then choose what is relevant to them – rather than having to go out searching for the services or activities they need.”
LifeTime hopes to reach out to as many people as possible – particularly elderly people living alone.
Gerry said: “Living alone can have an adverse effect on emotional well-being, but over long periods can also have a negative impact on physical health – so it is important that we address this now. In 20 years, almost a quarter of the population will be over 65.”
LifeTime is supported by funding from Warrington Housing Association and
operated by the Warrington Home Improvement and Information Agency
(WHiA) as an independent, not-for-profit social enterprise.
Founder member Eileen Fitzgerald has been key to helping to develop the
LifeTime programme and believes LifeTime’s “whole life” approach makes it
relevant to every older person.
Said Eileen: “You can’t look at what LifeTime has to offer and say ‘that’s not for me’ as the whole idea of LifeTime is that you take from it what you want – get connected and then make your mind up what’s right for you. It might be learning to use that computer that’s gathering dust in a corner, or joining a reading group, diabetes support forum or getting out for the day somewhere nice – it’s your call!”
The LifeTime programme is free to join and will operate in community venues across Warrington and from the soon-to-open LifeTime Centre opposite the Golden Gates on Sankey Street. This centre will provide a venue for the many social events, courses and groups that LifeTime will run – but also a place for LifeTime members to drop in and have a free coffee and a chat or perhaps use the IT equipment.
For more information call on 01925 246824, email on
[email protected]
New fun network for old people
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
