 The lives of a group of older people in Totton have been enriched thanks to a weekly club.
The Pelican Club was set up by Community First New Forest, with the financial backing of Hampshire County Council, following the success of their Phoenix Club which is held in Lyndhurst.
The Pelican Club takes place on Thursday afternoons at Calmore Community Centre in Totton.
Currently between 15 and 20 older people from the Totton area attend the club each week. People are collected by Community First New Forest in a mini bus. If, due to other commitments, a bus isn’t available then Community First New Forest staff do the pick ups individually in their cars.
Community First New Forest manager Gael Clemett explains why the club was needed, “Many older people live alone and can become isolated. The purpose of the Pelican Club is to bring people together to give them some company, enjoy themselves and generally have something to look forward to.”
Each week different activities are put on by Community First New Forest care staff.
These range from discussions in which people can share life experiences to games and quizzes, many of which are invented for the club by the staff. Gael says, “We want to enable people to meet while having some fun along the way. Our overall aim is really to help increase people’s sense of well being.”
Owing to the success of the Pelican and Phoenix Clubs, Community First New Forest is now hoping to secure funding to start up similar groups elsewhere in the New Forest.
There are still places available at The Pelican Club which is open to any older person living in and around the Totton area. For further information contact Gael at Community First New Forest on 02380 667080 or email homesupportmanager@cfnf.org.uk
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