IN response to the letter published on July 29 which bemoaned the fact that many activities for the over 50s in Okehampton take place during the daytime, Id like to say that the Oke-dokey social group which was referred to was carefully planned as a daytime activity in response to a specific need that was known to exist.
Whilst there are of course many people over 50 who do still work, there are also many who dont work or who work either part-time or on shifts that enable them to get to a daytime activity.
However, perhaps it is also now time to look at an evening activity for the over 50s in Okehampton.
Oke-dokey was set up by Time for Life which is a project aimed at helping individuals over 50 who have become socially isolated. Mostly Time for Life works on a one-to-one basis using a mentor to explore ways to improve an individuals social life and enable them to get out and about in the community.
Recently I joined Time for Life as part of a small team of community development workers, expanding the programme of work with the over 50s by helping to create groups and activities wherever they are needed within Devon. Oke-dokey is one of those groups and there are others either in existence or in the planning stages.
It has been suggested that a craft group might be a suitable evening activity, and Id really like to hear from anyone interested in this or other possible projects. Id also like to hear from anyone who would like to provide their services possibly to take some classes or as a volunteer to ensure the future of any group that is created.
Pleas either email me on [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone the Time for Life number, 0845 3047267, leave your contact details and Ill get back to you.
In the meantime, anyone over 50 who is available on a Thursday morning, just turn up at the Fountain Inn at 10.30 for the Oke-dokey social coffee morning.
Ali Fife
Community Development Worker
Time for Life