A community partnership is encouraging residents to socialise at its drop-in mornings at a church hall.
Haltwhistle Partnership runs social drop-in sessions at Haltwhistle’s Methodist Church Hall where residents can enjoy a chat every Tuesday, from 10am-noon.
The sessions are part of the Partnership's Older People’s Project, which is supported by a grant from Haltwhistle Town Council.
Isolation can often lead to depression and damage a person's physical and emotional health, which is why the sessions encourage socialising with others of a similar age and situation. This helps to reduce loneliness and fosters a sense of community.
Alex Kinsey, a trustee of Haltwhistle Partnership said: "The Older People's Project has always been an integral part of the Partnership's work. It offers senior residents opportunities to socialise in a warm and welcoming place, helping to reduce the sense of loneliness and isolation many people feel.
“Exciting times are ahead as everyone at the Partnership is continually looking at ways to develop all our projects, with the objective to improve the well-being of people in Haltwhistle and the surrounding area."
Drop-in sessions involve weekly raffles and other activities including quizzes, bingo, interesting talks by special guests, music and other entertainment.
The Older People’s Project holds a monthly Lunch Club in Haltwhistle Masonic Hall on the first Thursday of every month, from 12pm-2pm.
Claire Worboys, Older People's Project officer, said: "I really look forward to the Tuesday drop-ins and the monthly Lunch Club. It's lovely seeing everyone and catching up with their news. There is always lots of laughter and it certainly brightens my day. We'd love to see some new faces, so I'd urge people to give it a try. You'll be very welcome."
The two-course lunch, cooked by the Pillar Box Cafe, costs £8.50 and includes tea or coffee. Tickets are available from the Tuesday drop-in and Pillar Box Cafe.
READ MORE: Cafe providing 'lovely personal service' nominated for Trader of the Week
The Project has also started the Memory Cafe, supporting those living with and caring for dementia at the Community Room at Haltwhistle Memorial Hospital, the first Monday of each month, from 2pm-4pm.
If you or a loved one want to meet like-minded people in friendly surroundings, contact Haltwhistle Partnership or visit the church hall.
To volunteer with the sessions, even if you can only spare an hour or two every month, email admin@haltwhistle.org or phone 01434 321242.
To find out more about Haltwhistle Partnership, go to https://haltwhistle.org/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here