The Elder Care Group meets at St Barnabas Church every Monday at 1pm. It is a social group for people over the age of 65 years.

The programme includes crafts, word puzzles, quizzes, gentle exercises which concentrate on balance and stretching, card and table games, speakers or a musical item, occasional outings and always a beautiful afternoon tea. The group generally wraps up around 3.30pm.

The group coordinator is Maria Light who has a BTheology majoring in Pastoral Care and much experience with working in the community and organising activities. Maria adores working with the guests and volunteers who come to the Eldercare Group; seeing people expand their social network, learn new things and enjoy their afternoon. There is much laughter in Maria’s groups as they learn and socialise together.

There are anywhere between 8 to 20 guests who turn up each week. More guests are very welcome. There are 2 volunteers who help out each week with preparing and serving a delicious afternoon tea and who join in with any activities they would like to. There are currently 6 volunteers on the roster; more volunteers are also very welcome. It is a rewarding and pleasurable way to spend a few hours on a Monday afternoon. If you would like to come along to the group either as a volunteer or a guest, please phone/txt Maria on 022 494 8269.

The Elder Care Group is much appreciated by the guests. They have great fun with much laughter and enjoyable socialising; they improve their health with exercises, their brains with quizzes, crafts and games; their knowledge and ability to cope in an ever changing world with speakers and enjoy a healthy and delightful afternoon tea.

Maria receives many compliments from guests for how well the sessions are run and how welcome they feel.

Maria also coordinates an Eldercare Group which meets at Holy Trinity Church in Avonside on Thursday afternoons starting at 1pm and ending around 3.30pm. This group currently has 7 wonderful guests and 2 volunteers. This is a very friendly group which would warmly welcome any new guests or volunteers.

If you would like to come along to the group either as a volunteer or a guest, please phone/txt Maria on 022 494 8269.