Edenbridge residents have it sewn up

Kind hearted members of the Edenbridge Older Lifestyles Group recently presented hand knitted clothing and blankets to the Special Baby Unit at Pembury Hospital.

The Edenbridge residents are all part of the group which aims to provide healthy lifestyle information, activities and advice for anyone living in the Edenbridge area over the age of 60.

The group is totally free and meets every Wednesday at 11.30am in the Edenbridge Centre, Four Elms Road. Weekly guest speakers attend the meetings to offer advice on topics such as safety in the home, fall prevention exercises and specific health matters.

The idea of knitting clothing for premature babies came after a visit from Christine Terry of the Edenbridge Volunteer Centre last May who talked to them about the range of voluntary work that is available.

80 year old Beattie Hobbs, who has attended the group since it started, says: “The group is very popular and great fun to attend. It is well organised and I have benefited so much from the speakers and have also made a lot of new friends.”

Cllr Felicity Broomby, Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for community development, adds: “It is very important that older people receive support in their local community. The Older Lifestyles Group is a great way of providing this support and enhancing the wellbeing of older residents. It offers a regular meeting place where local people can get together to socialise with others and find out how they can stay independent and healthy.”

The Group was set up in March 2005 following recommendations from the Edenbridge Health Needs Assessment. This is a partnership project between South West Kent PCT and Sevenoaks District Council.

The group is available to anyone over 60 who would like to get out more and minibus transport can be arranged if necessary. The group has 25 members and new members are always welcome to come along and join in.

For more information contact Hayley Brooks at Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227000 or e-mail hayley.brooks@sevenoaks.gov.uk