Dig deep to help elderly folk’s garden

TODAY WE TALK TO GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY

What will you do with this year’s Wish money?

We would like to buy more equipment for our dementia friendly community garden to enable more people to take part in gardening activities.

We would also like to buy more plants and seeds.

Tell us about your group.

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly is a user-led organisation open to anyone over 50 who lives in Gateshead.

The organisation has been going since 2002 and has been an assembly since 2007.

We aim to listen to, represent the views of and be a source of information to older people both in the community and in care. We have more than 900 members and around 60 volunteers.

What kind of activities take place at your group?

There are a wide variety of activities that take place in our group including exercise classes, the staying steady programme and art group to name but a few.

There is also a reminiscence group, social group, craft group and dementia friendly community garden.

Who is the longest serving member of your group?

Esther Ward has been involved for 15 years.

Tell us about the biggest or best activity or event your group has organised.

Our biggest event was our Annual General Meeting which was attended by more than 300 people.

What is your group’s proudest moment to date?

We have had many proud moments but one that stands out is winning the Voluntary Organisation of the Year 2017 at the Gateshead Awards.

Why should someone join your group?

There will always be a friendly welcome at Gateshead Older People’s Assembly.

We have something for everyone from gardening to art – and if we don’t do it we can help you set up your own interest group.

What makes you proud to be from the North-east using five words?

Friendly, people, countryside, buildings, sport.