Learning and Relaxing in and around Leek

Many elderly people who still live at home enjoy learning or doing something new. Why not take your favourite older person along to a class in Leek or the surrounding area?

It can be easy to think that older people who can’t get around much are no longer capable of learning new skills. At Home Instead Leek and Moorlands, we know that many of our clients are still very alert and might welcome a stimulating mental or even physical challenge. And places in and around Leek – like Buxton, Biddulph, and Blyth Bridge – have a selection of courses and activities that are suitable for older people. Here are a few we encourage you to try.

Buxton and Leek College

At Buxton and Leek College, there’s a wide range of courses available for adult learners. One popular course with older people is Learning for Leisure – a selection of friendly, recreational courses that last between six and twelve weeks. The availability of courses tends to vary from time to time, but it’s worth contacting the college at 0800 074 0099 or [email protected] to see if there are any planned for the near future.

Learning for Leisure courses enable older people to learn new skills and meet new people in a relaxed and informal environment. Many of the college’s courses are fully funded for adult learners, depending on circumstances. In Leek, the college is just off the A523 and there are various pay-and-display car parks within a short walking distance from the campus. In Buxton, it’s best to park in the Pavilion Gardens car park, about five minutes’ walk away from the campus.

Sign for Buxton & Leek College in front of a University of Derby building with a dome roof in the background. - Home Instead

The Zone – fitness

The Biddulph Youth and Community Zone (‘The Zone’) isn’t just for young people – there are numerous activities for adults as well. One of its key areas is fitness. Topics covered here include:

Adult Functional Fitness – this involves movements that mimic everyday actions, using multiple muscles groups to build strength, stability and mobility. Classes are held at 7:15pm on Wednesdays, and cost £3 per session.
Indoor Short Mat Bowling – friendly games in the sports hall, followed by refreshments. Held on Wednesdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm (£2 per person). All abilities and ages are welcome.
Fit 4 Friday – a gentle exercise class designed for the over 50s, on Fridays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Includes music and refreshments – all for £1.50 per person!

The Zone – socialising

One important aspect of the topics provided by the zone is socialising. There are two main activities that are available to older adults:

Smile – this is a social group for the over 50s, which enables seniors to relax, enjoy chatting away to each other and even to have a good sing (and if they’re feeling really active, a dance as well!) There are games each week and also refreshments – all for just £1.50 per person. The group is held on Thursdays, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
Men’s Over 50s Group – a great way for older men to get together and socialise. Each week, there’s also a speaker giving a talk on a topic of interest. The group takes place on Fridays, from 10:00am to 12 noon, and costs £2 per person, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits.

Acorn Training

Acorn Training is responsible for Adult Community Learning in the Staffordshire Moorlands areas. It currently has courses in Blyth Bridge, Biddulph and Leek. The courses are free and anyone can attend as long as their address has a Staffordshire Moorlands post code. The training also caters for additional needs, disabled people and ageing adults up to the age of 90.

The Biddulph training sessions are held at Biddulph Adult Education Centre, in Conway Road, Knypersley. Courses are run as long as at least seven people register an interest. Topics include: ICT, internet, staying safe online, goal setting for a better life, life skills and creative writing. For further information, or to book a place on a course, call 01782 827 827 or email [email protected].

Two elderly women smiling and jogging together in a park surrounded by trees on a sunny day. - Home Instead

The Zone – wellbeing

Another activity that is held at The Zone is the Community Wellbeing Workshop, on Mondays from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. This provides a safe space where anyone can go if they feel in need of help, support, and guidance in relation to their mental health. Participants can speak openly and in confidence to Suzanne, who leads the private workshops and provides support to all those who go along.

We think the Zone is a great place to take your loved one. To find out more about any of the activities that take place there, or to book a place in one of the classes, call 01782 244288. You can find The Zone at Church Road, Biddulph.

So, if your elderly friend or relative is still able to get out and about a bit, and would welcome a new challenge or would like to meet new people, see if they’d be interested in one of the venues we’ve listed above. A little mental or physical stimulation can make a lot of difference to someone’s week – and to their overall outlook on life.

At Home Instead, the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients is a top priority. Why not get in touch with us to discover more about our home care packages in the Leek and Moorlands area?

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