Leyton Orient Trust- New Over 50s Network Event proves huge hit
On Friday, July 28, Leyton Orient Trust and the Waltham Forest Local Area Coordinators invited residents to join them at the Matchroom Stadium for the launch of a series new free networking events for residents over the age of 50.
The first event proved a big success with an excellent turn out of over 45 guests who snacked on nibbles donated by Tesco Leyton, enjoyed a Tai Chi taster session from Dao Lu and visited a variety of stalls offering information on services, groups and activities from across the borough. One of the attendees, Maggie told us; ‘Today was lovely, nice to find out what’s happening in the borough’.
Leyton Orient Trust- A first event to gather feedback
The first event was used as an opportunity to gather as much feedback as possible in order to develop future events shaped in line with the needs of residents. Attendees told us they visited for a variety of reasons, including because they felt isolated, to get out of the house, see what is on offer in the borough, to see if they could contribute to the community and to meet people and find friends.
Phillip Smith, Head of Health and Wellbeing quoted: ‘it was fantastic to see so many people join us at the first event, we hope that by bringing people together we can help develop new ideas and social connections that will support and empower more people within the borough to keep active and engaged in their local communities.
Alan, a local resident who attended the event quoted: ‘The event was a great platform to meet new people, get out of the house and find out what is happening in the borough, I really enjoyed myself and can’t wait for the next one’
Guests were also able to find out about Local Area Coordination, a project being piloted in the borough in Grove Green, Larkswood, Wood Street and Cathall. Local Area Coordinators currently offer support to adult residents who are experiencing mental health issues, or have a disability or are elderly (as well as their families and carers). If an older resident from one of these areas would like support or would like to be linked in to our event in September, please do get in touch with Carolyn.
We are very keen to have smaller groups attend to showcase their projects. If you have flyers which you would like us to display or if you would like to hold a stall, get in touch. We are also inviting speakers to talk for a couple of minutes to promote their project or service, so if you are interested in doing so, let us know as soon as possible as spaces will fill up quickly. We are also looking for volunteers to support the event on the day.
Next free event on August 25th
The next FREE event is being held on Friday, August 25, from 12pm – 1.30pm, at Leyton Orient Football Club, Oliver Road, E10 5LG and is open for anyone over the age of 50 to attend.
Guests can book in for the next event by signing up here.
If you are interested in attending, volunteering or showcasing an activity at the event please contact Carolyn Sellick:
Telephone: 07715536872
Email: carolyn.sellick@walthamforest.gov.uk
“They took the lead” programme – Leyton Orient Trust
+Sport Move and Learn – Leyton Orient Trust
