Big Day Inside Out for older people to help cope with lockdown
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The Big Day Inside Out is a one-day festival of free activities for older people to help beat isolation during lockdown.
The charity Engage with Age has launched a one-day festival of activities for older people called the THE BIG DAY INSIDE OUT.
The theme of the festival is “Reaching in – connecting out”.
THE BIG DAY INSIDE OUT is taking place on Thursday 25th June 2020 in the morning, afternoon, and evening, offering a wide programme of physical activities, crafts and lectures, discussions, and entertainment and fun in the evening.
THE BIG DAY INSIDE OUT offers activities for older people who are at home, using online via video “zoom” calls and “Facebook Live”, activities via “Whatsapp” smart phones, as well as activities for people who don’t have computers. There is also a selection of small outdoor events that observe government guidelines and social distancing.
MORNING
On the morning of the 25th June 2020 older people can avail of home exercise, T’Ai Chi, nature walks, and also a remote style coffee morning via telephone conference call.
AFTERNOON
The afternoon sees craft and cooking demonstrations, poetry readings, “Looking Good In Lockdown” sessions with barber Garry Jackson and hair stylist Katie Quinn, and an afternoon tea telephone conference for people in their own homes.
DEBATE AND DISCUSSION
Serious debate will take place in the afternoon with “Older People and the New Normal” – a panel discussion sponsored by the Greater Belfast Seniors Forum and chaired by broadcaster and journalist Anne Hailes. Speaking at the discussion will be elected representatives and public officials, and the debate is open to older people who want to say what is important to them. The debate will be held via “Zoom” conference call and relayed into homes without computers via telephone conference call. (Key speakers To Be Announced)
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
And following an early evening cook-along via Whatsapp, audiences will be treated to the only online, live performance of the new show “The Broads” about the lives of Judy Garland, Better Midler, and Marilyn Monroe. This is an Engage with Age exclusive of this new comedy drama, performed with songs. And later into the evening Engage with Age offers late night “Chocolate Bingo”, a pub quiz, and a fun and games session.
ABOUT ENGAGE WITH AGE
Engage with Age works in Belfast and seeks to enable older people to live happier, healthier, and more connected lives, promoting good health among older people.
THE BIG DAY INSIDE OUT is inspired by the ongoing activity of older people which has adapted to cope with the impact of “lockdown” and social isolation. Activities have continued through “Zoom” meetings for groups, a new newspaper “The PAL Gazette” for older people who aren’t online, conference telephone calls for older people who are shielding at home, and more recently with walks for small groups of fewer than six people while observing social distancing.
Engage with Age Director Eamon Quinn said:
“Coronavirus hasn’t stopped older people or Engage with Age adapting to the new circumstances. We are using all available means to reach out to each other, to older people who are online and those who aren’t, to coordinate stimulating day of connections, activities and entertainment.”
Anne Greenan, the Chair of the Belfast East Seniors Forum said:
“Getting involved with activities is great for a person’s physical and mental health. Being in touch with other people is a positive way to help each other cope with having to stay at home and keep social distance. Older people are a lot more resilient that is often shown in the media, so we’re reaching out together to have a great day of fun.”
All of the THE BIG DAY INSIDE OUT activities are free of charge, and in some cases free materials will be posted out in advance for people to participate in crafts and other sessions. All activities take place within government guidelines, observing social distancing.
Please note that advance booking is required for most activities.
For the full programme
Call 07710 993 036
Or log on to www.thebigdayinsideout.com
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