Hundreds of residents came together last week (week commencing 12 October) to enjoy Horsham District Council's popular Winter Warm Up events.
Held at The Bridge Leisure Centre, Broadbridge Heath on 14 October and Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Storrington on 15 October, the events welcomed residents aged 50 and over for two days packed with activities, advice, support and opportunities to connect with others in their communities.
Visitors enjoyed a wide range of free activities and services including sport taster sessions, hearing tests, and health MOTs, electric blanket testing, arts and crafts workshops, health and wellbeing sessions, and a bustling marketplace featuring local clubs, community groups and support organisations. Attendees were also able to enjoy a complimentary bowl of hot soup and a roll.
The introduction of the new Winter Warm Ups Fringe Programme was also warmly received, helping showcase the wide variety of activities and opportunities available throughout the District to support residents in staying active, independent and socially connected during the winter months.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many residents praising the friendly atmosphere, valuable information on offer and the opportunity to meet new people and discover local activities and services.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Councillor Belinda Walters, who attended said: "It was wonderful to see so many residents attending this year's Winter Warm Up events and making the most of everything on offer.
The atmosphere at both venues was buzzing and incredibly positive and we definitely reached many people who hadn’t previously attended the leisure centres or these types of activities before, helping them make useful connections with key organisations and new people.
“These events demonstrate the strength of our communities and the value of bringing people together. It was particularly encouraging to see residents discovering free help, services and support through both the event days, helping them stay active, informed and connected throughout the winter and beyond.”
The Winter Warm Ups form part of Horsham District Council's ongoing commitment to supporting the health, wellbeing and independence of older residents and tackling social isolation across the District.
For more information about Winter Warm Ups and the support available throughout the year visit the Council website.