Health and Well-Being Day for Older People

Issued on behalf of the North Norfolk Health Forum

'Belly dance your way to fitness and agility' is only one of the messages going out to older people who have been invited to attend a special event just for them next month.

The North Norfolk Health Forum's 'Health and Well-being Day' is being organised not only to help people over 50 years of age achieve and maintain good health, but also to give them information about, and access to, the many local services and activities available that could improve their quality of life. It has been planned especially for older people who live in the North Walsham and Stalham areas.

"In a nutshell, the day will bring together a wide range of clubs, organisations, services and activities that we hope will encourage older people to lead more active and enjoyable lives," said Margaret Drury, Chairman of the Forum's Older People's Sub-Group. "Our aim is to show that middle and old age can be exciting, and that there are many new challenges and opportunities for all of us."

Mrs Drury was behind the recent and much-publicised campaign to find a local belly dancer to run a workshop at the event, which is to be held in St Benet's Hall, Vicarage Road, North Walsham, from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, 15 April.

"Our search was successful, so there will be belly-dancing classes on the day," said Mrs Drury, "but there will also be many other exercise workshops, from tai chi and African dancing to square dancing and basic keep fit instruction. In addition, there will be stalls, information displays and demonstrations on a great variety of subjects. It really does promise to be a fun and interesting day out."

Organisations taking part in the special day will include the Norfolk Constabulary (home security), North Norfolk District Council (sports development, home improvement and disabled facilities grants, and benefits advice), the Women's Health Information and Support Services (WHISS), North Norfolk Voluntary Services, Age Concern, Norfolk Adult Education, Excel 2000, the North Walsham Area Community Transport Association, and the Department of Works and Pensions. Coffee and tea will be free, and lunch refreshments will be on sale. There will also be a prize-draw raffle.

Anyone who would like to attend this event and needs help with transport should contact the North Walsham Area Community Transport Association on 01692 500840.

It is estimated that there are about 9000 older people (50 years or over) in the North Walsham and Stalham areas. If the Health and Well-being Day in North Walsham is successful, similar events may be held in other towns in North Norfolk.

For more information about the event, or to book a display area, please contact Margaret Drury on (01263) 516055, or Sonia Shuter, NNDC's Health Improvement Officer on (01263) 516173.

ENDS