Clubs
Clubs are the life and soul of our charity and there's usually something for everyone.
ESOL/English Conversation Group
Bingo
“studies have shown that playing bingo can be beneficial for older people to promote their cognitive skills. It is due to the presence of skill and alertness required to play this game. Not only for that, it is valuable to train the brain to measure information well and promote the mental speed as well”.
Bingo is every Wednesday afternoon at 2:00pm
Theatre Club
TAP Community Choir
The TAP Community Choir was started in July 2023. The aim was to give TAP members the opportunity to sing together in a welcoming and friendly environment. There has been much research on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of singing, particularly group singing. Supported by teacher Laura, many in the group report that they feel uplifted and energised at the end of each session. The Choir have performed both at TAP events and in community settings, always receiving a warm reception. Performance venues include Wellesley Road Care Home, Esther Randall Court, Regent’s Place. The TAP Community Choir retain an average of 20 members per session, making it one of our strongest groups, who spread the joy of communal singing.
Ukulele Group- Tunes on TAP
The Ukulele is one of the simplest musical instruments to learn how to play especially by those not from a musical background. It was originally started by Laurie from Capital Arts with initial funding for the purchase of instruments from Ageing Better in Camden. It subsequently was revived by teacher, Geoff, as a means of encouraging those experiencing FOGO (fear of going out) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to come out and re-connect to others and discover the joys of making music together.
The Ukulele group have performed in the community including: The British Library, Wellesley Road Care Home, Esther Randall Court, Regent’s Roots Festival, to name a few.
Despite several of the group having major barriers to learning (e.g. dementia and poor mental health) they have gone from strength to strength with a solid core of regular attendees who usually meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am. They have created and produced their own songbook and now have regular gigs such as the Broadstairs Folk Week.
Walking Groups
There are two weekly regular volunteer led walks on Thursday mornings. The Ramblers Association has been the national coordinating body with local boroughs like Camden having an Active Health Team to provide support locally. It is the largest network of health walk schemes in England helping thousands of people across the country to lead more active lifestyles.
The Wellbeing Walking Group and Bangla Women’s Walk are both under our walking group. Feedback received indicated the high value placed on socialising with others and in providing opportunities for making new friends. There have also been notable partnerships, such as with The Royal Parks’ Access and Engagement team hosting a special wellbeing walk each season.
The Friendship Garden
The outdoor space at our centre has been transformed to a wonderful wellbeing garden as well as an outdoor classroom and social space. The friendship garden, with enthusiastic TAP Member and Gardner- Elizabeth- always welcome new volunteers. Recently we have created two large, raised beds to grow herbs and salads for our Lunch Clubs. As Elizabeth says, ‘Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.’ Time and activity spent in nature is good for wellbeing. Evidence strongly suggests that spending time in a green environment reduced stress, improves mood and experience improved wellbeing.
TAP Lunch Clubs
It is essential that our more isolated older users have access to low cost nourishing healthy meals particularly during the colder Winter months. It is also an important way for many to socialise and make new friendships. Food is also a good incentive to bring diverse people together to learn and appreciate each other recipes and cultural diets! WE celebrate many of our different cultures and special events in this way!
Members Forum
We actively promote a strong self-help ethos among our registered users with the aim of empowering older people to have a greater voice and also as one of the five Ways to Wellbeing that improves wellbeing through giving to others as well as in receiving. In 2009 we set up a formal membership scheme in recognition of our users as among our key stakeholders and to have great influence in the decision-making within the Charity. Around two thirds of our registered users have decided to become a TAP member (261) that involves an annual donation fee of £15.00 and agreeing to a set of simple guiding principles. There is a Members Forum that meets regularly consisting of user representatives chaired by a trustee user representative so that there is a direct link to a Board of Trustees – the governing body of the Charity that meets quarterly. The Forum has a vital role in providing feedback and comment, supporting the Manager and staff team on a day to day basis and in co-ordinating our volunteering programme.
TAP MEMBERSHIP RULES
- Support Others: Offer my time to assist others who may be less able, and help with running the charity’s self-help groups, community services, and social events.
- Respect Privacy and Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all members, volunteers, and staff.
- Treat Everyone with Respect: Always treat others with kindness and respect. Bullying or harassment—whether physical, verbal, or emotional—will not be tolerated. If concerns arise, the individuals involved will be spoken to. Continued unacceptable behaviour may lead to suspension or termination of membership or services.
- Contribute to Costs: Be willing to make contributions towards costs when requested, to help keep our services sustainable.
- Photo and Video Consent: Understand that the charity may take photographs and videos of activities for newsletters, our website, and other publicity materials. I give permission for images in which I appear to be used for these purposes.
- Carers’ Responsibility: If I attend with a carer, I understand they must remain with me at all times and are encouraged to participate in activities.
- Right to Refuse or Withdraw Membership: The charity reserves the right to decline or withdraw membership or access to services at its discretion. Reasons will be provided, and you have the right to appeal to the Board of Trustees within 28 days.
- We wish to retain the right to withdraw or decline registration at any time and at our discretion, but we will give you reasons for our decisions, and you can appeal to the Board of Trustees within 28 days.