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A club for older people in East Malling has attracted
interest from national Government. The Poppin Club funded by KCC
Brighter Futures scheme, was visited by Anne McDonald, head of
delivery for older people and disability, and Tracey Marlin, deputy
resources manager for older people and disability. They travelled
from London for the day to see people enjoying the many activities
on offer at the Poppin Club (so-called because people pop in to
it).
Anne McDonald spoke to Mrs Stella Revell, 75, from Ditton, while
she was having a hot wax treatment for arthritis in her hands.
"I love coming here," Mrs Revell said. "There are always things
to do and it's very friendly."
The visitors saw an exercise session with movements specially
designed for older people, heard about Bowen technique massages
given to some people to ease their muscle pain and tried to answer
questions from the weekly quiz.
Tracey Marlin said: "I found the visit to be very enjoyable and
positive. It showed the real outcome of my job. The group we
visited was very proud and enthusiastic and ready to take advantage
of all opportunities."
Brighter Futures is a partnership between KCC, primary health
care trusts and voluntary organisations, bringing together services
for older people in different parts of Kent with the aim of
supporting people over 75, particularly those who live alone.
The work is paid for with money obtained by Adult Services from
a Government fund called Invest to Save.
Members of Brighter Futures in Malling include Age Concern,
Malling
Area Volunteer Centre, The Beat Project and East Malling Focus
Group. The Poppin Club, which has 30 members, meets every Wednesday
between 12 and 2pm at the Institute, Mill Street, East Malling.
Each two-hour session costs £2 and there is a free minibus to pick
up and take home those members over 75 who could not attend
otherwise. The club also runs supermarket shopping trips, picking
people up and dropping them back at home with their purchases.
Kevin Lynes, KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said:
"Having been to see the Poppin Club myself and been on a
supermarket shopping trip, I am not surprised that it is attracting
national interest.
"Clearly everyone who attends enjoys the friendly atmosphere and
gets a lot out of the activities on offer.
"It would be wonderful if the Government would now help us fund
more of these across the county in the months and years to
come."
To find out more about the Poppin Club, call Age Concern Malling
on 01732 873977. |