Woodhouse Road Family Life Centre
"This group is wonderful. Most of us are widows and it’s such a boon to come here, we always have a laugh. We have all done such different things"
Mrs Robinson
Woodhouse Road Family Life centre brings joy to local older people with help from Awards for All
The Woodhouse Road Family Life Centre, based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire brings together older people from the local community. Based in the annex of a local church, the group has a regular Programme of events including a luncheon club, board games and arts and crafts activities.
“The group has been going about 11 years and was started originally for black elders,” explained Development Officer, Nita Williams.
The group benefited in 1997 from a lottery grant of £102,000 to refurbish the building, and was successful recently in applying for an Awards for All grant of £2,095 to do arts and crafts work inspired by their visit to the Afrikan Heritage Centre in Peterborough.
Most of the members are aged over 60, and the group helps them to remain active and sociable. The group has over 50 members and as well as encouraging older people from all kinds of backgrounds to mix, Nita organises activities so that they can experience new things. Day trips have included visits to Buckingham Palace, the Afrikan Heritage Centre, and Kew Gardens. They have even had a go at Salsa dancing!
“They are a fantastic group of people,” said Nita. “It’s a very active group, always ready to try something new.” “I feel very comfortable here”, said Julie. “It’s better than sitting at home alone.”
