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Have a seat ‘Chatty’ benches are springing up all over the country. It’s a simple idea, where a sign is added to an indoor or outdoor bench, that shows those sitting there are happy to chat with whoever joins them. 150 of our retirement communities already have a chatty bench ready to invite more conversations.
Pals putting pen to paper After launching earlier this year, our Pen Pal scheme is already helping 70 residents make new friends. Introduced to help those without a digital device or who prefer letter writing to connect with others, the scheme’s helped Patricia Jenkinson, a resident at Lingford Court, Bishop Aukland, make a new friend. “After a number of weeks writing to each other, I am having great communication and friendship with my pen pal. We have moved onto emailing each other more regularly, which is much quicker to respond to.” Residents Sid and Carey trying out the chatty bench at Bradley House, Woodford Green with Scheme Manager Nadine Janota-Cobbina.
Book your place Our virtual book club gives residents and colleagues the opportunity to read and review different books together. Members buy a specified book, from Richard and Judy’s Book Club top picks, at low-cost from local supermarkets or online (audiobook versions are available) and then come together via Zoom or phone every six weeks’ to discuss the book. For more information about these Be Connected initiatives, contact our Resident Involvement and Wellbeing Team by calling 07523 943501* during working hours or email them at BeWell@Anchor.org.uk
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