17/3/22

The latest online festival from Cardiff Council's Independent Living Services (ILS) takes place in April, supporting older people in our communities to stay active, connected, and to put a spring in their step this Spring!

The 50+ Active Body Healthy Mind Virtual Spring Festival is the fifth online event over the past two years organised by ILS, which focusses on delivering support to older members of the community and those living with disabilities, to enable them to live as independently as possible.

Since moving online during the Covid-19 lockdowns, the virtual festivals have proved extremely popular with those who have attended, with ILS also providing one-to-one support for individuals needing help to use their devices and become confident online.

The festival will take place from Monday, April 4 until Friday, April 8 and will include

online sessions via Microsoft Teams, as well as some in-person meet-ups in the community.

Online sessions will include low impact exercise, arts & crafts, online gardening, cookery, reminiscence while lunch clubs and a community walk will take place in person. The festival will culminate with a full day of online sessions including a sing-along and raffle on the Friday.

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore, said: "Online social sessions and activities are a lifeline for many older members of our communities, especially over the past two years. Independent Living Services have done a terrific job keeping people active and connected at a time when social isolation was of greater concern than ever before. I know that many new friendships have blossomed because of these events.

"The virtual festivals have gone from strength to strength with more and more people joining in. This year, we're really pleased to be able to offer a mix of online events and meet-ups in the community - a very welcome aspect of next month's festival.

"Once again, we hope everyone enjoys. I encourage anyone who hasn't attended before to take the plunge and join in.  You can make the most of some excellent sessions, get to know more about services in the community, and make new friends."

For more information about the events, including requesting invitations to online sessions, please email: communitycoordinator@cardiff.gov.uk or  call 02920 234234.