Making tasty soup for themselves will be one of the many activities and interests on offer at the next meeting of a Holbeach support group.
Here-4-U recently received a free soup kit through South Holland District Council’s Kitchen Garden Project.
The group offers support to people suffering with dementia, their carers and others such as stroke victims, people with Parkinson’s and anyone lonely or vulnerable.
Secretary Rita Mitchell said: “Carers especially are at risk of isolation and this gives them the opportunity of chatting with others in a similar situation while their ‘cared for’ are doing other activities such as gentle exercises or crafts.”
Six iPads have been bought recently to add to the laptop provision and also available is New Age Kurling, carpet bowls, board games and colouring books.
But active participation is by no means expected – people are welcome to pop along for a coffee and chat.
The group has close links with University Academy Holbeach, and each Monday students attend to interact with users.
The wide and varied programme includes a visit by St Nicolas Players on May 23 and a trip to Wicksteed Park for a show and afternoon tea on June 6.
Here-4-U meets between 10am and 3.30pm on the second and last Monday of each month at the WI Hall in Park Road. It is popular but the small band of hard-working volunteers who run it say many people are unaware of its existence and benefits.
Initially set up through Littlebury Medical Centre Patient Participation Group when there was no such support in existence locally, it expanded into Here-4-U. It is free to attend and available to all.
Recent funding has been via grants including £5,000 from The Grange Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and donations by several sources including the town’s Chosen charity shop and John Hayes MP (through his annual cricket match).
