Connections for Ageing Well

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July 18, 2023 – 10:00am to November 15, 2023 – 5:00pm

Connections for Ageing Well is a FREE program for older people. Come along and enjoy fun and informative activities of community connection. Learn and be active together whilst enjoying your local community with Group Workshops and Active Fresh Air sessions between 18 July 2023 to 15 November 2023.

Social connection is important for everyone, but especially as we get older. Studies have shown a close link between levels of social connection and people’s level of physical and mental health.

People who are 65 years or older and 50+ years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to attend. Priority will be given to residents in the Newcastle area; however, the Program may be opened to residents of neighbouring areas if space is available.

You are welcome to attend as many free sessions as you like, but places are limited so register now to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions or need assistance registering, you can call the friendly team at HMRI on (02) 4042 1000.

Group Workshops

There are five group workshops held in friendly and relaxed settings and presented by guest presenters who provide information that is interesting and relevant to today’s world.

They start mid-morning, include a 1-hour lunch break with complimentary lunch, and finish mid-afternoon.

Workshop 1 – REGISTER NOW

  • Places, Spaces and Inclusion in Everyday Activities: this session will encourage you to be more confident in your local community and to get out and about.
  • Caring for Aboriginal Culture and Country: Then and now – sharing insights about Aboriginal culture and connections to Country from an Aboriginal perspective.
  • 18 July 2023 | 10.00 am – 2.30 pm | Fort Scratchley

Workshop 2 – REGISTER NOW

  • Tech 101:  Using Your Technology to Keep Connected: Tips and tricks to use your mobile phone, iPad, laptop, or notebook to communicate with others safely, and learn about services offered at City of Newcastle libraries.
  • Introduction to My Community Directory: How to find out about events, volunteering opportunities, and great activities in your local area.
  • 26 July 2023 | 10.00 am – 2.45 pm | Digital Library, Newcastle West

Workshop 3 – REGISTER NOW

  • People are People: Awareness and understanding of diverse sexuality and genders, not unintentionally causing offense, and how to contribute to community safety and wellbeing as no one should feel isolated due to misunderstandings.
  • Mindfulness and Improving Your Mood: How to lift your mood when things are getting you down, including practical strategies such as mindfulness.
  • 4 Aug 2023 | 10.00 am – 2.15 pm | HMRI, New Lambton Heights

Workshop 4 – REGISTER NOW

  • Volunteering – Good for You and Good for Others: How you can give to yourself and help others by joining in with rewarding and fun volunteer activities.
  • Connecting Across Cultures: Insights into welcoming people from different countries who have come to Newcastle as refugees, migrants or are from families where their main language is not English.
  • 9 Aug 2023 | 10.00 am – 2.45 pm | Wallsend Library

Workshop 5 – REGISTER NOW

  • Taking Care of Yourself and Others: Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be very challenging. At this workshop, you will learn how to look after your own health and wellbeing while caring for someone else.
  • Navigating My Aged Care: Learn how to use My Aged Care to organise services that can support you as you get older including help at home, short-term care and aged care homes.
  • 18 Aug 2023 | 10.00 am – 2.45 pm | HMRI, New Lambton Heights

Active Fresh Air Sessions

Get involved in our fun easy stretch and movement Active Fresh Air sessions. Meet new friends or bring along a friend while you come together to do one or more of our gentle Active Fresh Air Sessions held in scenic locations across Newcastle. Each session is facilitated by an experienced movement specialist.

All sessions run from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Stay on Your Feet – Gentle and fun exercises for balance and strength

Tai Chi and Qigong

Guided Nature Stroll and Wildlife Encounter at Blackbutt Reserve

Each of these sessions are a wonderful opportunity to get out and about – and more active – in our beautiful City of Newcastle.

Connections for Ageing Well is a collaboration between The City of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, and the Hunter Ageing Alliance. This program has been supported by the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice