Not such a lonely world anymore

CHADDERTON’S Christine Dennis has been spreading much-needed cheer to the elderly and vulnerable with the creation of a specialist luncheon club designed to give support and a place to meet friends.

Christine (67) runs the club every week at Mills Hill Primary School, Chadderton, which brings local people together and helps build a dementia-friendly community.

The former teacher was spurred into action after reading stories highlighting how many elderly residents feel isolated in their communities.

After speaking to the school and with the help of a team of volunteers, she set up the club, which provides meals and activities, including armchair aerobics by Oldham Council’s Lifelong Learning Team.

The club is aimed at those aged 55 and over, with residents in their 90s also frequenting the club each week.

The school works hand-in-hand with the the local Firwood and District Residents; Association to provide some of the food, with the club chipping in with the rest.

Christine, who is secretary of the residents’ association, said: “It’s not just the food which gets people out of the house — the social side is equally as important with many people meeting new friends.

“We have a number of people who live with dementia and they absolutely love it. They all support each other.

“It’s a great way for people to be part of their community and remain as independent as possible.”

As a devoted carer to a relative with dementia, Christine has also experienced first-hand what it is like following a diagnosis and what support is available in the borough.

She said: “When your family is rocked with dementia, you don’t understand what it is like until you live with it.

“It turns your life around and the carer, as well as the person with dementia, can often feel lost.

“I felt there was not much help out there a few years ago nationally and locally, but there’s more talking and action now — I feel the public are becoming more aware.

“The luncheon club is full each week and it would not happen if it wasn’t for the primary school, Mills Hill Baptist Church and local volunteers working together to help the community.”

Adding to the luncheon club’s success, a fortnightly get-together has been set up by the residents’ association, in partnership with Mills Hill Baptist Church and the Hunt Lane Tavern on Middleton Road, Chadderton.

Anyone interested in attending the gatherings at the Hunt Lane Tavern should contact Christine Dennis by emailing firwoodresidents@ntlworld.com.