In January this year we awarded funding to London based East India Over 50's Consortium. They are a small, passionate, voluntary led community organisation, which provides opportunities and activities to enrich the lives and wellbeing of adults living in and around Poplar and Tower Hamlets. Their work seeks to support older individuals living with and recovering from physical and mental ill health, isolation and loneliness.
The grant enabled a day trip to the Nene Valley Railway for their Link In project which supports men aged 45+ experiencing loneliness, isolation and recovering from and living with long term health conditions, through social opportunities. Originally, upon booking they discovered that ticket prices had increased since their grant application, but were relieved to discover that the co-ordinators could obtain a discounted rate which kept them within their budget.
It was reported to have been an incredible occasion that built on other previous activities and would not have been possible without our funding due to distance and costs. A total of 17 adults attended, made up of 15 men supported by 2 co-ordinators. They travelled by minibus, and though they unintentionally went on a huge diversion to get to their destination, due to road works, the men embraced the extended time together with sing-a-long and chair disco, which they say was very memorable!
At the destination, the group explored the railway, old carriages, exhibitions and travelled on a memorable bright orange and acid yellow Swedish train. The group enjoyed being able to speak with the railway volunteers, discovering a wealth of information. To enhance the outing a lunch of hot soup and sandwiches was enjoyed as they journeyed together through the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Members commented on the pleasure of being able to look out of the train at the open fields and countryside, having conversations on the importance of connecting with nature and how hobbies and new stimulating experiences play a pivotal role in improving wellbeing.