Social connection at the heart of new initiative

A COMMUNITY initiative supporting social connection will launch in Torquay next week.

The program, spearheaded by the members of the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre, will offer residents of the Surf Coast Shire a fortnightly opportunity to connect with others while participating in a shared activity.

The senior citizens centre will unveil its new Torquay Social Connect Day program at an open day event on Friday, December 5.

The free event, to be held between noon and 3.30pm, will feature live music and door prizes, and allow the community to express their interest in participating in the initiative and share ideas for its growth.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch, with full access to the centre’s kitchen facilities available.

Torquay Senior Citizens Centre committee secretary, Barry Lierich, said the Torquay Social Connect Day program will evolve based on what the community wants.

The first session will be held on January 16 and will continue on the first and third Friday of each month between noon and 3.30pm.

The activities, which are open to people of all ages, will be tailored to the interests of the people who attend and may include trivia, hobby demonstrations, games or group outings.

Participation is also optional, with locals welcome to come along and simply enjoy the centre’s facilities.

“They can come and bring their knitting, they can come and read a book … it’s really a matter of encouraging them to get out of the home and go somewhere safe and inclusive to take up whatever is on offer on the day,” Lierich said.

He said the social connection initiative is part of a broader effort to “reinvigorate” the centre and “offer friendship and activities for seniors”.

The Torquay Senior Citizens Centre is at 16 Price Street, Torquay.

For more information, contact Barry Lierich on 0447 955 941.