Clubs
Clubs are the life and soul of our charity and there's usually something for everyone.
English Clubs
Bingo Clubs
Inevitably there are bingo clubs that do motivate many of our more isolated housebound users in getting out of their homes each week with the chance of getting lucky and winning a few pounds and in seeing and meeting friends old and new. In recent years bingo has been rehabilitated to some extent as an excellent way of reducing risk of dementia as it engages people in the coordination of eyes, ears and hands!
“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”.
The bingo club is every Wednesday afternoon at the centre in Cumberland
Market.
Theatre Club
Cycling Club
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 volunteer 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.
Despite several of the group having major barriers to learning (eg. dementia and poor mental health) it has gone from strength to strength with a solid core of regular attendees who usually meet on Tuesday mornings at the Centre. They have created and produced their own Songbook and now have some regular gigs such as the Wellness Cafe in Highgate.
Walking Groups
There are two weekly regular volunteer led walks on Thursday mornings that are also accredited with the national Walking for Health scheme that has the additional benefits of free training, insurance cover with data fed into a central database. The Ramblers Association has been the national coordinating body (currently being re- tendered) 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 clubs come under our Wellbeing Card scheme (works like a loyalty or coffee cup scheme with a stamp for every walk completed) sponsored by local businesses to provide additional motivation to take part targeting those new to regular exercise, referrals and those too anxious to take part in indoor sessional activities. We have found the clubs a successful gateway for referrals to be inducted into TAP programmes and in making new friends. Feedback received indicate the high value placed by participants on these schemes that have operated throughout the period when government restrictions have allowed it and a good way in socialising with others and in providing opportunities for making new friends. There have also been many spin offs such as sub groups organising other trips and events.
Gardening Club
We have some precious outdoor space at our Centre in Cumberland Market that is being turned into a wonderful colourful, sensory and wellbeing garden as well as an outdoor classroom and social space. There is an active Gardening Club with enthusiastic TAP Member- Elizabeth- with new volunteers always welcome. 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 in nature is good for us. Evidence strongly suggests that if we spend time in a green environment, then we reduce stress, improve mood and come away self-reporting 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
TAP MEMBERSHIP RULES
- Give my time to help others who may be less able and provide practical help and support in the running of the charity’s self-help groups, community services and social events.
- Respect another user/member’s privacy and confidentiality.
- To always treat others respectfully. We do not tolerate any type of bullying or harassment including physical, verbal or emotional and in such circumstances the persons involved will be spoken to and if continues they may be excluded from membership or as a user of our services.
- To be willing to make a donation as a contribution towards costs whenever requested to do so.
- To present your 2021-2022 Third Age Project membership card when asked to do so when
enrolling or booking for an activity or trip. - The charity maintains a photographic and video record of our activities. They may be used in our newsletter and for general publicity, including on our web site. I give my permission for photos and videos to be used for the charity’s own publicity purposes.
- If you have a carer they must remain with you at all times whilst with us and encouraged to join in activities
- I agree to comply with TAP’s COVID-secure guidelines and procedures
- 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