Pictured: From left, scheme manager at Whitefriars' sheltered scheme Vernon Court Tony Littlewood, resident Edith Brady, PCSO Jenny Beck, Baiju Panchmatia from West Midlands Fire Service, resident Peggy Knibbs, and community partnership officer at West Midlands Police Peter Sturgeon

Coventry's ageing population is celebrating the benefits of older people's housing during a month-long 'Octoberfest' in a bid to reduce isolation and promote active ageing amongst older people.

More than 300 older people in Whitefriars Housing's sheltered housing schemes have held up to 200 events during October, as part of Supported Housing Month, which is being held in the midlands by the National Housing Federation (NHF).

Activities across the city included Wii exercise clubs, armchair aerobics, bingo, film and card nights, as well as breakfast clubs, afternoon teas and fish and chip suppers.

The 'Octoberfest' celebration was organised by Whitefriars to showcase the benefits of older people's housing and support services and to invite older people living in the wider community to attend the events.

Glynis Cook, area services manager for Whitefriars Housing, said: "The Octoberfest celebration has been a real success. We have seen older people, who don't normally socialise, come out to join in activities and make new friends.

"Our vision was not only to highlight the great work that goes on in our sheltered schemes but to also tackle isolation by bringing people together to enjoy activities. One of the outcomes has been that the residents have enjoyed some activities so much they are going to make them regular events."

One of the largest events to take place was a healthy and active day at Eric Inott House, in Cheylesmore. As well as enjoying armchair aerobics, bingo, a quiz and afternoon tea, residents also had the chance to chat to representatives from the police and fire services about safety issues.

Representatives from Numedia Training were also at the event to help older people get online ahead of UK Online Week starting on October 30, which is a national initiative to help more people get to grips with computers and the internet.

Whitefriars Housing is supporting the NHF's Supported Housing Month in the midlands, which is an awareness campaign to showcase the work of the supported housing sector. Housing organisations across the midlands are holding events, as well as engaging with councillors, key decision makers and partners to raise the profile of important services for vulnerable people.  

Gemma Duggan, west midlands lead manager for the NHF said: "Supported Housing Month gives providers and users of these important services a chance to come together to shout out about how important they are. With Councillors forced to look at where they can make budgetary savings, it's a golden opportunity for them to find out what support is being provided on their doorstep - and to gain an appreciation for how badly that support is needed.

"We're delighted to see that so many organisations are getting involved in this year's campaign and hope that local authorities will take full advantage of the opportunity to visit schemes in their area during the month of activity."