Older Peoples Services
Calming Connections North East/West
Calming Connections funded by Impact Funding offers a service to older adults aged 55 and over, who are experiencing or recovering from mental health problems and to unpaid carers who live in the North East/West of Glasgow.
The service offers a holistic approach to wellbeing and provides access to:
- 6 weeks of hour long massage therapies
- Mindfulness Courses
- A Community Peer support group.
- Wellbeing sessions within Independent Living Complexes.
Feedback from people who have used the services;
” I met new friends, enjoyed the activities and feel much more positive and motivated.”
“I became more informed about what services could help me in my caring role and more confident in contacting them.”
“It took less than two group visits to feel optimistic about my future!”
“I meditate at night. It helps me get a better sleep and feel less stressed the next day. “
What is Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches greater awareness of thoughts and feelings through simple techniques like meditation and gentle movement. It also helps you develop ways of thinking and living that can improve wellbeing.
Mindfulness can lead to:
- Feeling calmer
- Improved ability to relax
- More energy
- Feeling more able to cope with stressful situations
- A more positive outlook on life.
The Mindfulness toolkit can be accessed from the following link Mindfulness Toolkit on Vimeo
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies work alongside conventional medicine. They adopt a holistic approach whereby the whole person is treated rather than just the symptom of an illness.
Wellbeing activity groups
These can support older people and unpaid carers to
- Feel less socially isolated and more connected with family, friends and community
- Learn new skills and become involved in meaningful activities
- Improved mental health and wellbeing and increased sense of confidence
- Participate and build social networks.
- Establish a sense of purpose and direction.
- Access wider community resources.
Partnership Initiatives
Calming Connections recently worked in partnership with Lapidus Scotland on a digitally connected creative writing project. This was a huge success! Older adults and unpaid carers discovered their creative talents when writing their own memories of “Good Auld Glasgow” whilst developing their digital skills. Members of the group enjoyed the activity so much that they agreed to further develop their talents in an art and writing workshop.
Feedback from the group:
“I met nice people and discovered a talent I never knew I had”
“Going back to the good old days sparked many happy memories”
Calming Connections continues to work in partnership with Housing Associations throughout Glasgow delivering support to older adults living in Independent Living Complexes. Over the last 12 months the project reached out to 8 Complexes within Glasgow supporting tenants to participate in art activities, Mindfulness ,self-massage techniques as well as enjoying a sing along.
Feedback from tenants included
“The massage has helped me with pain and my hands now allow me to button my shirt”
“I had just moved in to the complex, activities helped me to get to know the other tenants and I loved all the activities”
“I enjoyed all the activities and it got me mixing and got me out my room”
Staff advised
“Our tenants love what you do”
“Seeing residents joining in the activities was just amazing!”
Referrals
You can contact the project yourself or you can ask someone you trust to get in touch on your behalf to make a referral. A worker will arrange to meet with you and have a chat about the project to make sure that our service is the right one for you.
Contact Calming Connections on 0141 425 4850
