Residents at Otterburn House, Harvest Housing Group’s sheltered accommodation scheme in Eccles, have been finding out how an apple a day and more can help keep them in tip top condition.

Hosted by Salford Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Group, the six week course provides participants with a range of interactive and informative sessions to arm them with the knowledge and skills they need to look after their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The workshops include nutrition, relaxation, cancer awareness, memory training and falls prevention. At the end of every session, the organisers round things off with a light-hearted activity like bingo, card making or a quiz to give participants a chance to socialise with each other.

Carly Hodges is the health development worker who runs the workshops. Commenting, Carly said: “As we get older, it’s important for us to take care of ourselves and be aware of certain health issues. These courses have been designed specifically for people aged 55 and over. Not only are they intended to give people the confidence to take control of their own wellbeing, but they also deal with certain topics in a sensitive manner. As the workshops are so interactive, giving people a chance to ask questions and talk about personal experiences, they are a really effective way to get them to think about their health.”

Scheme manager for Otterburn House, Pat Clowes, added: “One thing a lot of our residents have in common is that they are all young at heart. Thanks to these workshops, they can learn how to keep themselves fit and healthy, long in to their retirement. The feedback we’ve had has been very positive and people are already asking us when the next set of courses will start!”

Otterburn House is a sheltered accommodation scheme providing independent living for people aged 55 and over. As well as self-contained flats, the site contains communal areas, including a lounge and garden. For more information about Otterburn House, please call Pat Clowes on: 0161 707 1256.

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