ESDEG Refugee Elders Project

We also run a social club for refugee elders, this project is aimed to help socially excluded and isolated refugee elders to come out of isolation and engage into physical and social activities.

The project was set up as a result of a needs assessment carried out by Educational & Skills Development Group by consulting local refugee elders, their carers, other community groups and service providers have decided to set up an elderly project (Luncheon Club) which provides much needed services that is not currently provided elsewhere. Loneliness, lack of emotional support and lack of companionship and social support can leave elderly men and women vulnerable to health problems including heart problems and mental health problems e.g. depression. Joining activities arranged by ESDEG is a good way of expanding their social circle. These activities can facilitate elders to develop their interest and hobbies and to meet with new friends. Many of the elders suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, through the sharing of experience and feelings; it is easier to face illnesses in the company of others. Anxiety and loneliness can also be relieved.

The elders are encourated and introduced to keep healthy and balanced diet. The health benefits of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as health risks associated with fatty foods high in sugar and salt is also emphasised.

ESDEG encourage and does everything to include elders from other communities to join the club in order to diversify its service users and enable members to meet and engage with people from all communities.

The Elderly luncheon club is open to users once a week in a local community centre at:

Convent Way Community Hall, Convent Way, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 5UG

Activities

1. Meeting to bring elderly refugee women (ESDEG will not stop elders from other communities to join) out of isolation. An opportunity to socialise with peers, share experience, to laugh and simply enjoy the day something they cannot find in their homes and elsewhere.
2. Physical activities: light exercise, walking, playing games, cultural folk dancing and poetry.
3. Healthy lifestyle education: the importance of eating balanced diet, plenty in fruit and vegetables and less fat, sugar and salt. Occasional cooking lessons are also provided.

Refugee elders and others who may join will:

1. Get out of isolation
2. Socialise and make new friends
3. Have access to services including health services, welfare an social care services
4. Receive advice and information in language they can understand
5. Receive socio-cultural and moral support
6. Get the strength in tackling their daily problems
7. Exercising and balanced diet means their health will improve
8. Get help in paying bills and have their mail read out to them

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