We will be providing an improvers English Class at Fresh Start Hub beginning on 21st February,
This is for people who can already speak, read and write English and who want to practise their language.
It will be in a small group of up to 8 people and be based on topics such as ‘At the supermarket’, ‘Talking about family’, ‘At the doctors’, ‘asking for directions’ . There will be a little grammar and vocabulary taught as well as listening, reading and speaking practice.
We continue to run English classes on Thursdays 2-4pm at the Hub, and people are welcome to come along to these, although they are targeted at absolute beginners.
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is running a weekly club for older adults to stay active, connected within their local community and build amazing friendships through their common love of sport.
Held on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12.00 at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the club runs weekly and is free to attend. No need to book – just turn up.
They are the perfect forum to reminisce about local sporting heroes, share stories about past playing days and show off your knowledge over a quiz or fun game. Everyone is welcome and a cuppa is available too.
Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager, SMFS, “The Royal Commonwealth Pool is a venue at the real heart of Edinburgh’s sporting heritage.
“We believe there are lots of older adults in the area who have a passion for talking about sport and who will benefit from attending a weekly group with like-minded people. The clubs are a great opportunity to build new friendships and become more active by taking part in some of our indoor games.”
Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Development Officer, Active Ageing, Ryan Dignan said: “Edinburgh Leisure’s partnership with Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland makes perfect sense, as does hosting these clubs at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, a building steeped in its own sporting history.
“These clubs support the work we are already doing working with people living with dementia through our Movement for Memories programme and other older adults in our Ageing Well programme, who are keen to keep active and engaged, which we know is particularly beneficial for their well-being.
“Using the rich history and heritage of sport, the Sporting Memories clubs are open to older adults, both men and women, who enjoy reminiscing about their experiences of watching or playing it. We just want anyone, with a love of sport, to come along and refreshments are provided.”
The clubs are run by trained Sporting Memories volunteers who use a wide range of Sporting Memories reminiscence resources developed specifically to help prompt conversation and discussion. There is always great fun and laughter, friendships are forged, and some remarkable sporting stories often emerge.
Sporting Memories has developed an innovative and engaging approach to tackling the challenges of our ageing society. Their work focuses on reducing loneliness and isolation; getting older people physically active; and helping people to live well with dementia and other long term conditions.
