Wii Tuesdays
Residents of Windsor Housing’s Leslie Dunne House Sheltered Scheme in Dedworth are the latest converts to the Nintendo Wii phenomenon that is sweeping homes and families across the UK. “Wii Tuesdays” will not only encourage sheltered residents to have fun and stay active, but also offer another activity for residents to enjoy when their family visits.
The residents’ social club organises activities for most days including carpet bowls, bingo, quiz nights, bring & buy sales and shopping trips. They purchased the Wii console with a Community Chest grant awarded by Community Link, an independent residents group that works to promote the interests of residents in Windsor Housing homes.
As an introduction to the finer nuances of the games, the social club, supported by Windsor Housing’s Community Development Team, has enlisted the help of a local youth club, the Manor Youth Centre. The youngsters from the club have agreed to visit the sheltered scheme to show the residents how to use the console and challenge them to a game of tennis or golf.
Ken Barber, resident, said “I enjoyed the Nintendo Wii. I would like to play it often. I am pleasantly surprised how well I did”
The project will help the residents interact and utilise modern technology, whilst breaking down barriers and stereotypes between the different age groups within the local community. Stacey Medhurst, a member of Manor Youth Centre, said “It was great fun. It was a good experience playing with the older generation. I lost to Kathy in bowling!”
Mick Gibbons MBE , Area Youth Worker for Dedworth said, “Intergenerational working is the way forward for both generations to learn new, or old skills, together. Just because some people believe that our younger or older generations cannot speak their words so well, doesn’t mean they don’t each have a voice.”
Sahil Khan, Resident Involvement & Community Initiatives Officer, Windsor Housing added: “I’m really glad to have been a part of this project, as it’s such a good way of keeping fit and active and having lots of fun. I would like to commend all members of the Leslie Dunne House Social club for all their hard work in getting this innovative project up and running.”
Leslie Dunne House is a purpose built residence offering sheltered accommodation for the over-55s. There are a number of local amenities within 15 minutes walk including shops, churches, doctors, dentists, chemist, public houses, etc.
All apartments have central heating and double glazing and are linked by an intercom system via a pull cord in each room, to the scheme manager when on duty, or to a supporting control centre afterhours.
For more information about vacancies at Leslie Dunn House, or any other Radian sheltered housing schemes, please call Lynne Huggins on 01753 777401
