JLife catches up with Chair of Moor Allerton Elderly Care, Howard Foreman, to find out how the group helps the community stay better connected.
Since forming in 1995, Moor Allerton Elderly Care (MAECare) has long been a proud base of support for people over the age of 60 living across North Leeds. With a dedicated team of staff, friendly volunteers, and a caring support network, the organisation are also keen to invite the community through its doors to discover what’s in store.
“Having retired from full time employment, I felt it was time to give something back to the community I have lived in all my life,” said Chair of Trustees Howard Foreman, who joined the team in 2016. “A position at MAECare gave me the opportunity to use my life skills more directly with the many activities the staff provide for its members in the North Leeds area.”
While MAECare’s original roster of activities stopped during the COVID pandemic, Howard and the team continued to support members with food deliveries, socially distanced meet-ups, and regular phone calls to check in with their members’ wellbeing.
“We worked tirelessly with Leeds City Council and welcomed many volunteers who wanted to help,” said Howard. “Many people were prisoners in their own homes during those early days, and many of our older friends needed support from a friendly, caring voice who could help when necessary,” said Howard.
“Moving forward two years now, I am so pleased to say there is light at the end of the tunnel and normality is slowly returning back to our lives. We cannot replace those COVID years, but we can start to meet people again, enjoy activities, and look forward to a brighter present and future.”
Now, the team at MAECare welcome others to join in the wide range of activities on offer, encouraging older people to meet new faces and make new friends. The latest calendar of events includes tai chi, book clubs, creative writing workshops, and walking football sessions. The group also runs the Silver Linings group providing services and support for people living with memory problems and dementia.
“We believe that people living with dementia should have the opportunity to stay physically, mentally, and socially active in order to stay well and independent,” said Howard.
“Our Silver Linings Group has a huge choice of activities, including the Sporting Memories day out at Alwoodley Cricket Club for members who enjoy quizzes and long a chat about their love of sport.
“With Zoom proving to be such a great help for us to keep in touch with our friends and family, we also hold Technology Wednesday activity to advise our members about the benefits of IT and make sure they don’t lose touch with what’s happening in the community.
“Whatever you wish to talk about, the MAECare staff are always here to help, advise, and support your needs.”
To contact the team at MAECare, call 01132 660 371 or visit Maecare. org.uk