By Win Roddy
From April, Bramley Elderly Action (BEA) starts to celebrate its 30th year of supporting local older people. Since opening in 1994 in an office in St Peter’s Church, operated by just one single co-ordinator, there is no doubt BEA has grown considerably.
Currently covering Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley, its 120 volunteers offer a wide range of services, events and activities to 1,090 members.
Manager Claire Lovatt says BEAs main purpose is to reach and support as many local people as possible, aged 60 onwards, with a view to reducing loneliness, offering friendship, advice and information.
“Put simply we want to help local older people to be happier,” Claire said.
In addition to its befriending scheme, volunteers help to run the many social events including both independent and supported trips (sometimes combined), movies with supper, trips to pantomimes, garden centres, markets and farms – even trips to football matches!
Activities are mainly held in either Bramley Lawn or Bramley Community Centre. Tuesday Swim and Shape Shifter (Ukulele) sessions take place in Bramley Baths. Other activities include drop-in and cosy cafés, keep-on carrying on café bereavement group, gentle exercise sessions, craft, gardening and men’s group, line dancing, digital drop-in and online zoom quiz. BEA also holds Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) and sessions for people with memory impairment.
The quarterly comprehensive newsletter, available free to members, provides news updates and detailed information regarding events and seasonal activities. Membership Recruitment Worker, Simon, advises membership can be obtained via referral, either from GP, health professional, relative or self. Anyone wanting to make a referral or requires further information can telephone 0113 236 1644 or call into Bramley Community Centre between 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Bramley Elderly Action relies on volunteers to help deliver activities and befriending scheme. Its new volunteer scheme called ‘Action’ welcomes all enquiries, and supports people into volunteer roles.
As someone who has lived in Bramley for 60+ years, I am aware of how it started and the support you gave my father. It was appreciated.
For those members who struggling with household bills. I would like to help, as I am a Partner with the Utility Warehouse. A UK company that has won 80 awards in the last 10 years for its services. If I can save people money, even if its only £100 per year, although experience tells me it can be £500+ in some cases. http://www.lifestyle4u.org.uk for more information.