Age Concern

Q: Tell us a bit more about what you do at Age Concern

At Age Concern Hawke’s Bay, we are committed to promoting wellbeing, rights, respect, and dignity for older people. Our vision is that older people thrive in an inclusive society for all ages. We are a Charitable Organisation dedicated solely to the over 65s, that connects, supports, empowers, and respects the older people in our community.

Our work is divided into three key areas:

Intervention Services - that support older people suffering from abuse, neglect and in need of social support. These services work to move older people from a position of vulnerability to one of resilience

Ageing Well Services - that assist older people to stay independent, healthy, and active. Supporting older people to age in place and maintain their quality of life as they age

Social Connection Services - that mitigate loneliness, promote community involvement, and enable mobility. These services work hard to reconnect older people back into their local community

We also work to inform local bodies and organisations on issues of concern for older people, ensuring older people are heard and represented in their communities.

Q Tell us bit more about the courses, classes, workshops you offer. Who can attend?

Our active ageing activities and workshops are open to anyone 65 and over and you don’t need to be a member to get involved!

We offer a wide range of classes and workshops, some of which run throughout the year and others are one offs in response to our community’s interests or need. We currently have running -

· Steady As You Go - a free strength and balance exercise class that’s offered in Hastings, Raureka, Waipawa and Waipukurau.

· For the young at heart, we offer Zumba and Line Dancing.

· Educational Workshops such as our Mobility Scooter Workshop and Staying Safe Course (Driver Refresher) are designed to refresh the user’s knowledge, so they feel more confident.

· Mindfulness is a weekly guided meditation group. The experience of a state of deep calm will positively affect your physical and mental health.

· A variety of social activities including housie, crafts, coffee groups, outings and lunches.

Q: What can people expect when attending your class?

We create a relaxed and welcoming environment where people feel comfortable sharing their questions and experiences. At our exercise groups you can expect a welcoming face and a great time! With our workshops have a cuppa on arrival, learn valuable information and make new connections.

Q: What are the benefits of attending the course/ class or workshops?

Attending one of our classes will find it not only to be informative or have lasting benefits for your health and wellbeing, it will also provide an opportunity to make new friends, have some fun and strengthen your connection to the community.