(one of the charities supported by the parish)
Many of you will have seen the publicity for the Hampstead Arts Festival – and even attended some events already – but you may not have noticed that the proceeds of two forthcoming concerts will be donated to Henderson Court Resource Centre (for Camden’s senior citizens), which is now one of the local charities the church supports.
The North York Moors Festival Ensemble will perform on Saturday November 2nd at 7.30 pm in St. Stephen’s, Pond Street and Sophie Bevan will give a song recital here at the parish church on Tuesday Nov. 5th at 7.30pm.
It would be wonderful if parishioners and their friends could pack out the audiences and also learn more about the wonderful, creative, caring work that goes on at Henderson Court (just round the corner in Fitzjohn’s Avenue).
However, when Camden Council withdrew its grant to AGE UK Camden, the centre was under threat of closure, although the dedicated staff team are determined to do all they can to keep the Resource Centre going. But they do need financial support.
Laurie White is the centre manager who has established such varied & engaging activities that are particularly valued by those who would otherwise be isolated and desperately lonely.
A good 3-course lunch is ‘home-cooked’ on the premises, ensuring that people who can no longer cook for themselves have a nutritious main meal in the company of others at a very modest cost.
Occasional trips out are organised, which are always popular. One this summer was to Lords cricket ground.
Laurie says this of the centre:
Henderson Court Resource Centre has been serving local older people for over 40 years and has a thriving membership of over 200 people. We offer a range of activities, events and support services to help enhance our members’ lives, from Yoga and Tai Chi to pottery, poetry, singing and arts and crafts.
We are open Monday to Friday for all older people in the area, and there are often special events at the weekend.
Until 2 years ago the centre received funding from the Council for all its basic running costs. This is no longer the case. Although we do still receive Council funding, it is now exclusively through what is known as ‘personal budgets’ for the frailest, and the result is that we have lost almost half of our income. We could possibly make ends meet by ending the open access system and making it just a centre for the very frail, but we don’t want to do that. Henderson is a much loved home-from-home for very many people.
If the centre is to continue to serve the wider community, we need all the support we can get. We are so grateful in particular for the help given by the Hampstead Summer Festival, the Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust, and you, our friends at Hampstead Parish Church. Please support us, and feel free to come and visit us.
Here are a few comments in their own words from some members expressing what the facilities mean to them:
“Very good for keeping fit”
“We exercise our minds, remembering songs and poems”
“The music is fantastic”
“Excellent and the music is motivating. I couldn’t do without it”
“Exercise class is energising and keeps the arthritic bones supple – it is fantastic”
“Appreciate range of activities & therapies & social activities”
“Staff very good. I enjoy trips out”
Relatives of a member have also added:
“Our aunt who is 93, deaf and not able to see much – potentially isolating – finds Henderson Court a life-saver – social interaction, change of scenery etc etc!”
Some of our congregation are already regular users of the centre and, as long as it is still there, no doubt many more of us will at some time in the future also find it a life-saver.
In the meantime please remember the concerts!