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In this issue:
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Join us in supporting the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness: #HappyToChat
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Local GPs reap the benefits of Social Prescribing
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Intergenerational photography project with University of Chester students
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We are recruiting! Buddies wanted.
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What's on in Cheshire West and Chester for the over 50s
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Regular one-to-one support from our team of experienced Social Prescribers at friendly drop-ins (Malpas, Winsford, Vicar's Cross, Handbridge, Lache)
If you know anyone who might like to receive Brightlife news in printed format (or in large print) email admin@brightlifecheshire.org.uk to request a copy of our newsletter
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The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness: ‘start a conversation’ in your community
Brightlife is proud to be supporting the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, an exciting opportunity for us all to tackle loneliness in our community. Jo Cox MP was passionate about the issue of loneliness and started the Commission before her murder in June 2016. Age UK is today launching a collaboration with a wide range of charities and Parliamentarians to honour Jo’s legacy through the Commission’s work.
The Commission is asking us all to ‘start a conversation’ about loneliness in our communities and ask ourselves what we can do about it.
Please show your support by sharing stories of how you’ve started a conversation in your community. Use #happytochat on Twitter or Facebook.
Later this year there's another chance for communities to come together and get involved with The Great Get Together on 18th June, please email us to find out more!
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Winsford GP's praise for Social Prescribing schemes
"As a GP, I see a lot of older people whose physical problems have led to them becoming lonely and socially isolated. This in turn makes them less active, and can often make their health problems worse. While I can help people manage their physical symptoms, I can’t provide them with the means or motivation to reconnect with their communities or to live a more active life. Brightlife’s Social Prescribing scheme has given me a way to help these patients, so that the issues at the root of their health problems can be addressed. It is a perfect example of what good healthcare is all about – making people feel better and improving their quality of life."
Dr Achla Damania (Swanlow Medical Centre)
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Keys to my memory: a photography exhibition
A new, intergenerational photography exhibition, capturing intimate dialogues between strangers of different generations, will be touring the borough this spring.
Produced by four second-year Photography students from the University of Chester in partnership with Brightlife, it features images of older people alongside everyday objects with particular significance to their lives. Student Lorna Elwin explains the inspiration behind the project:
“We invited people to talk to us about (and be photographed with) a personal treasure that holds a memorable story. Its been a wonderful experience and we've made some lovely friendships along the way!"
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If you're wondering how you can make a difference in your community, please get in touch! You can help us reach the most socially isolated people in your neighbourhood by sparing a couple of hours a week to spend with someone who doesn't get out as much as they'd like to. Full training and expenses provided. Call Mark Groves on 0151 2031116 or email mark.groves@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
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All events listed are for people over 50 and FREE (unless stated)
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Chester: Brighter Days Mother's Day Baking Masterclass and Prize Bake-off
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Date: Sunday 26th March (1.30-4.30pm)
Organiser: To book call Donna Hufton at Tweedsmuir on 01244 343940
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Chester: 'Digital Buddies' in Blacon every Wednesday
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Date: Beginners (11-12) / Intermediate (12-1) Parade Enterprise Centre, CW1 5HW
Organiser: Here and Now Chester. To find out more about digital support sessions or to register your interest, call Heather on 01244 311339/ 07958 611618
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Chester (Blacon): Fabulous 50+ Photography (led by Anthony Firmin)
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Date: Taster course until 19th May (10am-12.30pm) at Deva Point, Blacon Point Road, Blacon CH1 5LD
Organiser: WEA (Workers' Educational Association) Enrol online at enrolonline.wea.org.uk or call 0151 243 5340.
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Chester (Hoole): Fabulous 50+ Singing (led by Erin Elston)
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Date: Taster course until 15th May (10.30am - 12.30pm) at Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, CH2 3AP.
Organiser: WEA (Workers' Educational Association) Enrol online at enrolonline.wea.org.uk or call 0151 243 5340.
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Chester (Hoole): Fabulous 50+ Drawing (led by Pagona Soultani)
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Date: Taster course until 19th May (10am-12.30pm) at Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, CH2 3AP.
Organiser: WEA (Workers' Educational Association) Enrol online at enrolonline.wea.org.uk or call 0151 243 5340.
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Chester (Hoole): Fabulous 50+ Painting (led by Pagona Soultani)
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Date: Taster course until 19th May (13.30pm-16.00pm) at Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, CH2 3AP.
Organiser: WEA (Workers' Educational Association) Enrol online at enrolonline.wea.org.uk or call 0151 243 5340.
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Chester (Hoole): English for speakers of other languages.
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Date: Tuesdays 9.15am - 11.15am in the Library, Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, CH2 3AP. Come along for a coffee and a chat. All welcome!
Organiser: Hoole Library 01244 34274
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Chester (various locations) social network for LGBT people
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Date: Ongoing
Organiser: Call Silver Rainbows for further details about the range of activities taking place on 01270 653150, or email info@silverrainbows.co.uk
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Chester: Free pool and darts daily at 'The Venue' (Lache)
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Open Mon-Weds 9am-4pm and Thurs, Fri 9am-2pm at Hawthorn Road CH4 4HX A wide range of new facilities including a gym, cafe, function room, meeting rooms, free parking and wifi and a 'Den' (open free of charge every week day to anyone over 50). Call 01244 972546 thevenue@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
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Chester Social Meet-Up for 60+s
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Date: Wednesdays (2.00-3.30pm) at the Salvation Army, 107 St Anne St, CH1 3HU
Contact: Margaret Ablett chrisandmargablett@gmail.com
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Chester: talk on Frailty at the University of Chester
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Date: Wednesday 22nd March (12.30-2pm)
Organiser: Room CRV119 Riverside Campus. To book email j.bailey@chester.ac.uk
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Chester: Brightlife Drop-ins with Sue Downham
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• 1st Tues of every month (Centurion Pub, Vicars Cross), 2-4pm
• 2nd Tues of every month (St Mary With-out-the-Wall, Handbridge) 10-12pm
• 3rd Tues of every month (Lache Community Centre) 1.30-3.30pm Call Brightlife Coordinator for Chester, Sue Downham 07715 658431
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Malpas: 50+ Birdwatching
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Date: (Alternate) Tuesday /Wednesday mornings (@ £5/session)
Organiser: Led by local Ecologist Dr Anne Brenchley 07896 830940
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Malpas: Brightlife Drop-in with Louise Gough
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Date: Fridays between 10am-1pm at the Young People's Centre SY14 8HT. Call Brightlife Coordinator for Malpas, Louise Gough on 07736 1683420.
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Malpas: Compass Club (weekly social group)
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Date: Fridays (10am-12pm) at the Young Persons Centre SY14 8HT
Organiser: Following the successful Community Compass model, this group is now run by local volunteers. Everyone is welcome. Call 01606 827131 for more details.
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Malpas: Senior Circuits (including seated exercise)
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Date: Wednesdays at 10.15am at the Young Persons Centre SY14 8HT
Organiser: Community Compass (01606 827 131)
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Malpas (and surrounding area) Sandstone Ridge Festival
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Date: 18th - 21st May 2017 a new arts and community festival celebrating music, theatre, exhibitions, author talks and poetry. Hosted by the villages of Cholmondeley, Burwardsley, Tattenhall, Bunbury and Malpas.
Book your tickets at www.sandstoneridgefestival.co.uk
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Moulton: Creative Writing with John Lindley
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Date: Mondays (2-4pm) St Stephens Church Hall CW9 8PA
Organiser: Community Compass (01606 827 131)
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Northwich FREE Dinner and Quiz evening
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Date: 12th April (4pm-7.30pm) Barclays at Gadbrook is inviting local people aged 60+ to attend this social dining occasion. Guests can enjoy a reception drink at 4.30pm, a hot dinner at 5pm followed by a quiz. Contact: Brian Roberts (brian.roberts@ageukcheshire.org.uk)
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Winsford: Brightlife Drop-in with Jackie Brown
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Date: Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am at the Greenfields Community Bungalow. Call Brightlife Coordinator for Winsford, Jackie Brown on 07736 168348.
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Winsford: Marchfest (23rd - 26th March)
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Date: Town Mayor's Ball (23/03, 7-11pm) Bavarian Evenings (24/03 & 25/03, 7-11pm), Bavarian Day (25/03 12-5pm), Tea Dance (26/03, 2-6pm) Traditional Bavarian music, food, beer and frivolities descends on Winsford for this fabulous festival! To book call 01606 593582, email winsfordfestival@gmail.com Tweet @WinsMarchFest
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Could you crochet a ladybird, felt a rabbit or knit a robin?
West Cheshire Museums is calling out for local knitters and yarn artists to create a woolly woodland creature or plant for a new 'Woollen Wood' at Stretton Watermill.
Woollen Woods is the first in a series of events being held to celebrate 40 years since the Watermill's renovation. All woollen ‘somethings’ on the theme of ‘Native Woodland Flora and Fauna’ need to be created by 1 May. Call 01606 271640 for more details.
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Whilst we aim to promote a wide variety of events taking place for older people across the borough, not all the activities we promote have been funded by Brightlife.
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