The idea started with Dr Lydia Jones, a general practitioner working in La Hulpe. “Loneliness can be an increasing problem for older people, and when they are living away from their home country it can be particularly difficult to cope with,” she says. “An English-speaking social club would offer a good place for friendships to grow and mutual support to develop.”
Dr Jones quickly gathered together a group of like-minded individuals, found suitable premises and the idea became a reality. The aim is to provide a comfortable setting within which older men and women can enjoy each other’s company. Trained volunteers are on hand to provide help and to ensure everything runs smoothly. A programme of activities is being developed to include:
- Card and board games
- Opportunities for exercise
- Music and song
- Talks
- Book swaps
Club members, of course, have a key voice in developing the programme so that it fits their particular interests and enthusiasms.
The Wednesday Club
Meetings held at:
The Community Foyer, All Saint's Center
Chaussée de Charleroi 2
1420 Brain-l'Alleud, Belgium