[A] new free monthly lunch club has been launched at Ormsgill School in Barrow for anyone aged 50 and over to attend.
The lunch club, which will take place every third Friday, has been set up to create an informal support network for people who might be at risk of feeling isolated from their community; to help people meet with friends and make new ones.
The club will be run by Age UK and the Friends of Ormsgill School. Transport is available to and from the lunch club if required.
Simonetta Tiribocchi, a Community Development Officer at Cumbria County Council, said: “Ormsgill Lunch Club will provide social contact, a nutritious meal, leisure and inter-generational activities.
“The goal is to reconnect residents who may be feeling lonely with their local community and friends. This sort of interaction goes a long way towards improving people’s health and happiness.”
Across the UK more than nine million regularly people feel lonely, and approx. 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.
The lunch club will take place on the following dates:
- Friday 20 April
- Friday 18 May
- Friday 15 June
The club will then run every third Friday – for more details and to book a place, contact Barrow & District Age UK on 01229 831425.
The club starts at 11.30am with a light exercise session led by Age UK’s Outreach Worker, Selwyn Wright. Lunch will then be served at 12:15pm, followed by a presentation from pupils at the school who will share their pictures, stories and school work with attendees.
Cllr Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is fantastic news for the local community in Ormsgill – lunch clubs and social events like this are the ideal way to keep in touch with friends, or even make some new ones! There is already a strong sense of community in the area and this new lunch club will be a great opportunity for local people to get together once a month for a lovely lunch and to see the excellent work of the talented local school children.”
Please advise if vegetarian option of required.
