Barnet U3A choir gave a spirited curtain raiser for a Wellbeing Day organised by Barnet Council to promote support services and help advertise community drop-in events for elderly, needy and lonely residents.
Volunteers on stalls around the bandstand at the Stapylton Road entrance to The Spires shopping centre handed out leaflets for groups such as the Chipping Barnet Food Bank and Barnet Age UK.
The aim of the day was to offer advice and help to local residents on cost of living and other day-to-day problems and also an opportunity for the council’s prevention and wellbeing department to connect with community groups and offer them support.
“There is a wonderful community spirit in Chipping Barnet and the council’s role is to support the work of the voluntary groups,” said Nikki Barnett who is a member of the prevention and wellbeing team.
“My role is to do case work with individuals who are known to social services and to encourage a community response.”
Chipping Barnet was well served by community groups which held coffee mornings and other drop-in services and events and Ms Barnett hoped the council could help with support and co-ordination.
“No one needs to be lonely in Chipping Barnet. There is always somewhere people can go.”
There are drop-in events throughout the week including a friendship hub at St Stephen’s Church Bells Hill on Tuesdays from 11am to 12.30pm; a community cafe at The Stable in Salisbury Road on Wednesdays between 10.30am and 16.30pm; a monthly Friday coffee morning at Wesley Hall; and a cafe from 9.30am Monday to Friday at Hope Corner Community Centre on the Dollis Valley estate.
“We recognise there is more the council can do to help sustain a network of community drop-ins and we are anxious to alert residents and support groups in EN4 and EN5.”
Maria Gonzales (left) one of the volunteers supporting Wellbeing Day said that having been a Barnet resident for the last ten years she realised the tremendous effort that was made local to support the community.
“Campaigns like this to raise awareness are so important and help to bring the area together.”
