Belly dancing residents are Full of Life on national Older People’s Day

Published by Faye Galvin for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Central Government, Health

Merlin Housing Society has launched a new activities service for supported housing residents, with an exotic belly dancing session for the over 60s!

 Residents from Hawthorne Gardens supported housing scheme in Staple Hill, Bristol, took part in the event last week to coincide with the Government’s Full of Life activities for Older People’s Day.

 The new activities service has been set up as a result of feedback from residents. It will support sheltered residents to build vibrant communities and will help enhance their quality of life.

 Lorna Sherwood, Senior Activities Co-ordinator said: “This is a great opportunity to start something special for our residents.

 “It’s not about us choosing what is best, it’s about us helping them to unlock their ideas and supporting them in organising events on their schemes.

 “As well as help with the more traditional type of scheme event – like fish and chip suppers and bingo, we’re already hearing about people who want to do more diverse things – like Tai Chi or setting up a choir.”

 All residents in Merlin’s 52 sheltered schemes will receive quarterly updates on what events have been planned and how they can get involved.