Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA) not only helps clients from Helensburgh to Woonona to live independently, the local charity also brings people together for a cuppa at social groups like Cafe Club.
"The feeling of belonging to a group helps you feel worthwhile, included, and gives you a sense of purpose," says Fiona Lawson, manager at NINA.
"This is important for everyone in coping with loneliness, but especially crucial for seniors, as fulfilling these emotional needs helps them truly enjoy their golden years.”
Thirteen people attended Cafe Club on Tuesday, April 29 at Club Thirroul. The energetic group enjoyed coffee, tea, biscuits and cupcakes, along with a hot lunch. They also took part in a quiz, and gentle exercises, followed by a lucky door prize.
Thanks to the club goers told The Illawarra Flame why they love NINA's Cafe Club.
Margret, 87
“It’s really one of the best groups I’ve joined in my life. You’re the same age, same interests. It’s all about the atmosphere. To be old and watch your family grow up is a pleasure. I have had the pleasure of seeing my family at an older age than my dad did.”
Marie, 82
“I live on my own in a granny flat, I’ve had two knee replacements and I’ve ripped the cuff on both shoulders. It’s all a hassle. But coming over here and talking to people, it's good company. It’s the company that I’m after.”
Roma, 89
“What do we get out of this? We get out of our house, we get out of our depression, we get into life. It just invigorates us. I was saying on the bus today that I love Tuesdays. Even when you feel down, you don’t want to go, you think ‘what will the others say’, so you get up and go…
"You are a person here, and in other areas, you can feel quite invisible. We can be who we are, and that can be difficult if you’re not amongst people who really understand.
“We do exercises here, and that’s really improved my life. Six months ago, I found it hard to get up and down out of a chair and now I can do it quite easily.”
“To anyone who feels lonely or upset, just come here one day and you’ll come for the rest of your life.”
Nancie, 83
“You should hear us on our bus rides! We’re going on a day out tomorrow, to Picton. It’s something to wake up to. Half the fun is getting on the bus and going somewhere, meeting people and doing things. Our drivers are always so willing to help out, we couldn't do it without our drivers. I want to make note and mention the wonderful Jaclyn – she’s really a great leader.”
Margret K, 89
“I lost my husband four years ago and somebody came out to my house to do an assessment, and I told her I don’t want to go in the system, and she suggested these clubs. So, whenever I feel well and I can make it, I come. It's good company. I have a lovely family but you need others. The group is very well organised and I love the yoga."
Isabel, 95
“When you live on your own, all you’ve got is the television or the radio – and you can’t discuss things with them. You really need to get out and talk to other people, and realise that other people are lonely as well.
“You can’t expect your family to be beside you all the time – mine is very good but they have their own lives. It’s just so good to be amongst like-minded people”
