A brand new Active Living Centre is set to be opened in Burnham-On-Sea during December by the town’s Mayor.
The facility, overseen by Somerset County Council and Age Concern, is to be opened at Burnham Community Centre by Cllr Eric Gill (pictured) on Friday December 8th at 10am.
It is only the second Active Living Centre to open in Sedgemoor and is aimed at giving over 50s the power to arrange the services and events they would like to have.
The centre has been enthusiastically welcomed by residents and has already received strong support with 20 people turning up to share their ideas at a recent planning meeting.
Free refreshments will be available at the opening and there will also be health promotions and displays on adult learning and leisure.
People aged 50 and over will be invited to put forward their suggestions for the new centre, which will formally open on the first Friday of every month from 5th January 2007.
The centre aims to provide regular activities, advice, learning opportunities and events to promote active living and improve well-being to people in Burnham aged 50 and over.
Over 50 Active Living Centres are being established across the county between now and 2008, operating locally from suitable venues on a drop-in basis. Local communities will lead the development of Active Living Centres, with support from the Partnerships for Older People Project (POPP).
Cllr Justin Robinson, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult & Community Services, said: “These centres are being developed across Somerset to help people aged 50 and over to maintain healthy, active lifestyles and be involved in the heart of their local communities. I am confident the Burnham centre will bring the community together and give older people a strong voice collectively.”
County Councillor Mike Facey, who represents Burnham North, said: “I welcome the opening of this new centre. As it is on the coast, Burnham lends itself very well to healthy living and the location of the centre is superb. I am really pleased that there is something new for the over-50s – and I intend to go along myself!”
And Ken Hindle, Chairman of the Burnham Community Centre Committee, added: “This is a joint venture with Somerset Partnerships for Older People Project, Burnham University of the Third Age and the Community Centre. Our aim is to help everyone to be happy, healthy and active.”
To make these centres successful, members of the community are needed to support activities and events. If you feel you can contribute time to this new project, would like to see a similar initiative in your local community or want more information, please contact Sue Butler, POPP Officer on 01278 792904.
