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Published:
November 30, 2006
New
Active Learning Centre for over 50s to open in Burnham-On-Sea
 A
brand new Active Living Centre is set to be opened in Burnham-On-Sea
during December by the town's Mayor.
The
facility, overseen by Somerset County Council and Age Concern,
is to be opened at Burnham Community Centre by Cllr Eric Gill
(pictured) on Friday December 8th at 10am.
It
is only the second Active Living Centre to open in Sedgemoor and
is aimed at giving over 50s the power to arrange the services
and events they would like to have.
The
centre has been enthusiastically welcomed by residents and has
already received strong support with 20 people turning up to share
their ideas at a recent planning meeting.
Free
refreshments will be available at the opening and there will also
be health promotions and displays on adult learning and leisure.
People
aged 50 and over will be invited to put forward their suggestions
for the new centre, which will formally open on the first Friday
of every month from 5th January 2007.
The
centre aims to provide regular activities, advice, learning opportunities
and events to promote active living and improve well-being to
people in Burnham aged 50 and over.
Over
50 Active Living Centres are being established across the county
between now and 2008, operating locally from suitable venues on
a drop-in basis. Local communities will lead the development of
Active Living Centres, with support from the Partnerships for
Older People Project (POPP).
 Cllr
Justin Robinson, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder
for Adult & Community Services, said: "These centres
are being developed across Somerset to help people aged 50 and
over to maintain healthy, active lifestyles and be involved in
the heart of their local communities. I am confident the Burnham
centre will bring the community together and give older people
a strong voice collectively."
County
Councillor Mike Facey, who represents Burnham North, said: "I
welcome the opening of this new centre. As it is on the coast,
Burnham lends itself very well to healthy living and the location
of the centre is superb. I am really pleased that there is something
new for the over-50s – and I intend to go along myself!"
And
Ken Hindle, Chairman of the Burnham Community Centre Committee,
added: "This is a joint venture with Somerset Partnerships
for Older People Project, Burnham University of the Third Age
and the Community Centre. Our aim is to help everyone to be happy,
healthy and active."
To
make these centres successful, members of the community are needed
to support activities and events. If you feel you can contribute
time to this new project, would like to see a similar initiative
in your local community or want more information, please contact
Sue Butler, POPP Officer on 01278 792904.
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