Supporting older neighbours through the winter, one slipper at a time...

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Hands up if you're living in your slippers this winter? Us too!  

Last month we hosted a 'Slipper Swap' Winter Wellbeing afternoon, helping to support older neighbours through the winter. 

We wanted to share how the day went, and to explain why we focused on slippers. 

Good quality slippers are vital to our older neighbours. They improve health by keeping warm, and importantly help to avoid trips and slips when they have good grip. You can read more on avoiding Falls on Age UK's website. 

It was our biggest outreach event yet, in total: 

We gave out 75 pairs of slippers, 50 hot water bottles, lots of hats, scarves, gloves, thermal socks, and blankets, and warming Caribbean soup from ARMR, to older neighbours like Charles (pictured, right). 

Community organisations there on the day provided advice on everything from energy bills, avoiding scams, as well as the opportunity to get a blood pressure check, Covid booster jab, specialist exercise advice from the NHS Falls Team, and a walking stick MOT. 

We caught up with some neighbours who came along to find out what they thought.

Val (72) had never been to one of our Social Clubs before. She told us, "we had a wonderful day, especially that lovely soup. And I've got a whole bag full of information on support I can claim." 

Diana (68) has been on mailing list since 2018, but has never taken part in our programmes. She told us afterwards, that "the hot water bottle has been helpful for my back pain, as well as something warm to snuggle up. I appreciate all your kindness".  

It wasn't just about the winter warmers, it was also an opportunity for neighbours to make new friendships, and sign up to more of our Social Clubs. 

Violet (86) was new to our programmes too, she told us she'd made two new friends, with Sue and Sandra (pictured, right), and is looking forward to seeing them again at Social Clubs in January.  

We are so grateful to the charity 52 Lives for supporting this event, as well as the Manchester Local Care Organisation.