THE LIVERPOOL PROJECT GETTING OLDER PEOPLE SOCIALLY ACTIVE!

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A Liverpool project is getting older people socially active again through regular events. Happy Memories hosts afternoons of live entertainment, dance, bingo, raffles and food in an aim to combat loneliness and isolation — a major issue amongst older people in Merseyside — and features top acts such as Pauline Daniels, Ricky Tomlinson, Asa Murphy and Randy King.

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

Created by Peter Bowyer and Ted ‘Jive Teddy’ Williams in 2018, the concept has helped countless marginalised older people get socially active again. Happy Memories aims to bring people together through fun events, whilst improving mental health and fighting dementia with nostalgic live music showcases.

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Happy Memories offers a range of activities during their fun filled afternoons, aiming to bridge the gap and get as many older people socially active as possible.

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

The events take place from 1.30pm at Mount Carmel (Mondays, monthly), Woodlands (Thursdays, monthly), St. Cyril’s (Thursdays, monthly) and Dunlop’s (Thursdays, monthly). They cost just £5 to attend, with an optional £3 for bingo, and feature bingo, a raffle, dance, a buffet, live music from Jive Teddy and a headline live music act (including local legends such as Pauline Daniels, Ricky Tomlinson, Asa Murphy and Randy King).

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

Co-Founder Ted Williams said: “We’re really passionate about the work we do. Loneliness amongst older people is a real issue and many of them get stuck in a rut — it’s so sad. We want to show older people that it’s important to remain socially active and there are some great things on offer for them if they just take that initial leap of faith.”

He continued: “During the past four years it’s been very rewarding to see more and more people get out socialising. The feedback has been amazing and it’s been lovely to see new faces making new friendships. The live entertainment we offer is top class and very nostalgic — we’ve even had some tell us that it’s helped with their dementia.”

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

Although the groups have helped many and done great things over the past four years, there’s a concern that the pandemic and lockdowns have worsened the issue of social isolation amongst older people in Merseyside. There’s also a concern that 90% of attendees are women, raising the question as to why older men are not accessing the groups as much.

Co-Founder Peter Bowyer said: “There’s no doubt that the pandemic will have affected older people. Some will have got stuck in a bad habit of staying indoors and some will still be scared to go out and socialise. This is why it is even more important for us to reach out and spread the word — to let older people know that there’s something here for them if they want.”

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

With life expectancy increasing and mental health issues on the rise, social disconnection and loneliness amongst older people is an ongoing problem that will inevitable get worse. Groups such as Happy Memories are vital in bridging the gap and at least offering a solution — it’s just a case of making older people aware of what’s available.

Peter summarised: “We do our best to spread awareness  but there’s no doubt still many people locked away and lonely. We can’t force people to get out and socialise of course but if you know of anyone suffering alone feel free to point them our way — or even just reach out and keep them company occasionally yourself.”

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

Happy Memories is a monthly group that takes place at Mount Carmel, Woodlands, St. Cyril’s and Dunlop’s from 1.30pm until 5pm. Activities include bingo, a raffle, dance, a buffet, live music and a chance to get socially active again. Costs are kept to a minimum at just £5 to enter, with £3 to enter the multiple games of bingo, and the project is looking to expand to other venues soon.

Happy Memories / Monthly groups for older people across Liverpool

To enquire about a group for you or someone you know call Peter on 07790128885 or Ted on 07941473318 or email bowyer01@aol.com or ted.williams@live.co.uk

Check out Happy Memories on FACEBOOK!

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