19/12/2006   D6/06   Downland

Two generations benefit from well-being initiative

Residents at Ribbetts House in Hurstpierpoint are set to learn more about keeping healthy, thanks to a joint initiative between Downland Housing Association and Sussex Downs College, Lewes.

On Wednesday 13th December tenants at the retirement scheme met with students undertaking a Level 3 Higher Sports Leadership Award for the first of what is to be several sessions aimed at improving well-being.

Residents and students had the opportunity of getting to know each other over a  mince pie and a cup of tea, followed by a general knowledge quiz, which was enjoyed by all.

The visit also provided students with the opportunity of discovering more about the residents’ activity levels through the completion of lifestyle questionnaires, which the students designed themselves. 

Downland introduced their well-being programme in response to the Government’s White Paper on Independence, Well-Being and Choice.

Trudi Hamer, Senior Scheme Manager for Downland Housing Association said: “Back in July I gave a brief presentation to the college on Downland’s well-being initiative and this ties in nicely with the aims and objectives of the students.  Both the students and the residents stand to gain from the partnership.

“Further sessions are to be arranged, and depending on the feedback received from residents will either involve gentle walking or more social events, both beneficial to residents’ well-being.”

The students, aged between 17 and 19 years of age, have worked in the past with the disabled and with young children, but this is the first time that they have linked up with elderly people.  As part of their studies, the group of twelve second year students are required to carry out thirty hours of community work.

Karianne Foord, a tutor at Sussex Downs College, said: “It’s lovely to see the two generations coming together and working towards a common goal; health and well-being.”

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