About Savvy Seniors

An over 60's twenty-week pilot programme called 'Savvy Seniors' has been  described as highly successful by its’ participants and Home and Family Counselling, a not for profit  is  committed to providing further such groups across Auckland on a need basis and is promoting it as one of their initiatives during Counselling Awareness Week ( May 9 – 15)

This new community initiative came about after Home and Family Counselling  counsellor Jaqui Barrett saw a growing need to support well and active elders living alone in the city and dealing with loneliness, waning confidence and a lack of family and social supports.

“Feeling useful, remaining active and maintaining a mutually supportive network no doubt helps to protect against premature aging", says Jaqui

Savvy Seniors meet fortnightly and have social, creative, educative and wellness objectives.

There are many benefits for participants which include creating a support and social network, having fun, building confidence, discussing topics relative to their age group and having a sense of contribution and value in designing their own unique programme.

The goal of the group is to become self supporting and self directing.

After 20 weeks the group moves into the second stage of creating and facilitating their own gatherings.

Groups are limited to around 12 participants, small enough to be intimate and supportive yet big enough to be interesting.

This current group of elders (ages range between 60 - mid 80's) have created a healthy support and social network between themselves.

People interested in wanting more information or expressing their interest can ring Home and Family Counselling Centre on 630 8961

Jaqui says “I believe this is an important initiative which will support our elders and help to maintain good mental health amongst this sometimes forgotten group in our communities.”

To enquire or register your interest, please email info@homeandfamily.org.nz or visit homeandfamily.org.nz

Comments from group members -

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