Older People

During lockdown, Prime Time co-ordinator Penny Naylor has been keeping in touch with Prime Time members (over 50s, retired and semi-retired) and writing a weekly newsletter to keep everyone connected. See the Prime Time weekly blog here.

For those that need more support, Penny is in touch by phone and can connect people to volunteers that are part of the Coronavirus Response effort. Penny is also happy to offer advice on hearing aid supplies and maintenance while the Hearing Aid Clinics aren’t running.

The Plan for Older People’s Ministry – Autumn 2020

Older People’s Ministry is continuing – but out of necessity it is taking a very different form as the majority of older adults known to us are preferring to limit their social contact in order to reduce the risk of exposing themselves to the virus.  Large group gatherings such as the regular Prime Time events are therefore unlikely to happen for the next six months at least; especially as unlike acts of worship in church premises, social activities such as Prime Time are governed by the ‘Rule of Six’. 

The plan for this area of ministry is to continue offering opportunities to engage through the use of varied means; online through Zoom and YouTube,  telephone contact and post.  We are currently exploring the possibility of face-to-face meetings in very small groups if there is a demand and if it is within current guidance.  It is also the hope that we will be able to utilise the newly installed technology in Busbridge Church to offer a live streamed service at key times in the church calendar. Our established befriending scheme is to be given greater promotion and the model of telephone befriending is being added into the existing operation.  All Community Hearing Aid Clinics across the Diocese remain suspended pending further guidance from the Diocese and hospital Audiology departments.  Penny Naylor will continue to respond to all hearing aid related enquiries and offer advice and signposting to anyone who requires it.  Penny can be contacted via the Church Office or by email: penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org