We’re lucky to have remarkable people join us at our Enliven Community Day Programmes — they’re someone’s parent, sibling, whānau, and friend. They are former pharmacists, doctors, and nurses to accountants, financial advisors, business owners, curtain makers, teachers, shepherds, rugby players, and even veterans from the army. They’ve lived full lives and continue to give so much to our community and each other.
“One of our oldest clients has the most beautiful gentle heart, and one of our regulars always brings a naughty joke. Every individual contributes something special to the group, whether it’s a shared laugh, a life lesson, or just a caring presence. “I love the twinkles in their eyes and when they have a good belly laugh,” one of our team shares.
At Enliven Havelock North, everyone gets a chance to feel connected, even if some are normally isolated at home. Each week, they have a lovely meal, enjoy some fellowship, and participate in activities that sometimes take them right out of their comfort zones. Recently we’ve been ‘travelling the world’ together, with passports in hand, visiting places like Morocco and India. “Some people may look reserved, but we’ve seen how they have fun from the moment they walk in the door. We start our activities and they’re the life of the party!” Our staff love making a difference, “I’ve never had this much fun at work; it doesn’t feel like a job! This work is just so fulfilling” says one.
“You may think older people are no longer fun. We see the complete opposite – we see the joy, enthusiasm, and energy of their twenties and thirties. It doesn’t matter how bad it’s been at home that day, when they arrive they just leave it behind and come and have fun,” another adds.
If you or your family would like to find out more, ask your GP about Enliven Older People services, call a Needs Assessment Service Coordinator (NASC) directly on 06 834 1871, or call our friendly Enliven Older People team on freephone 0800 436 548.
Please help us to keep bringing a little extra joy into older people’s lives. Your donation ensures these valued community members continue to connect, share, and laugh together.
Donate today at www.psec.org.nz/donate, call 0800 002 953, or we can come to you with a mobile EFTPOS terminal in Napier or Hastings.
