Older people’s group celebrates 10th anniversary

A SPECIAL event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Warrington’s Older People’s Engagement Group (OPEG) is to be held on Saturday, October 8.
The event – sponsored by the borough council – will take place at The Gateway, Sankey Street between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
OPEG will be launching their new website www.wopeg.org and hope to attract more new members who will become actively involved in promoting a better deal for people over the age of 55 in Warrington.
There will also be a number of stalls promoting services which support independent living, including the council’s occupational therapy and Carecall and Telecare services.
According to research 38 per cent of older people feel lonely sometimes and of these seven per cent feel lonely most of the time.
Warrington Housing Association is addressing this via Life Time, which opened its doors in 2013.
The Life Time centre, opposite the Town Hall on Sankey Street, aims to enhance the lives of older people by providing opportunities for social inclusion and improved health.  The centre runs activities such as art, computer courses, film shows and zumba and dance classes in a fun and supportive environment.
OPEG have strong links with Life Time and are based within the same building so people can pop in for information and advice.
Cllr Maureen Creaghan, the borough council’s Older People’s Champion, said: “Life Time offers a wide range of activities or will simply sit down with somebody over a cup of tea and have a chat. They have a wonderful group of committed volunteers who willingly give their time and energy to do something which makes such a difference to local people.”
More than 80 per cent of those who attend the centre say that Life Time has improved their wellbeing and they felt more able to look after their health as a result.
Cllr Pat Wright, the council’s lead member for adult social care, said: “Loneliness and isolation are serious issues which affect many older people and can have a devastating effect on their mental and physical health, so resources like these are so important in making people feel part of a community and well supported.
“We are very pleased to be a sponsor for this Older People’s Day event and I hope as many people as possible will join us in a day of celebration and information sharing.”
Anyone who would like to join Life Time or volunteer should ring 01925 246824.