Social Connections for All Ages
Social Connections Program
Operates Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm. Our activities include carpet bowls, Bocce, board games, Trivia, painting, clay work, craft, Bingo, card games, music, gentle exercises, and lots more. Provided on the day is morning tea and a freshly cooked two-course lunch.
Willow Club
Offers a range of activities suitable for those who are experiencing memory loss. Attendance here presents an opportunity for carers to take some well-deserved time out, with the knowledge that their loved ones are being cared for by qualified, compassionate staff. This Program operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am until 4pm and Tuesday afternoons from 1pm until 4pm. A two-course lunch, morning and afternoon teas are provided.
Singing Group
This is a group of people who love to sing for enjoyment. Everyone gets to choose their favourite song and we sing along to the lyrics up on the big screen each Monday Afternoon.
Monthly Bus Trips
On the first Wednesday of each month our bus leaves The Willows to visit local towns or scenic attractions. We have a relaxed morning tea along the picturesque drive, then stop for lunch at a pre-planned venue. Some of the places visited to-date are: Red Stag Deer Farm – Eurobin, The Big Strawberry – Cobram, boat ride P.S. Cumburoona – Mulwala, Silo Art Trail – Goorambat, Mad Dog Morgan’s Lookout – Walla Walla, Beechworth, Bright … and we have many more great places to explore.
Men’s Group
Currently this group is a very keen bowling crew! They love to just have light-hearted fun, and don’t take the game too seriously. They have afternoon tea on arrival for an hour before playing bowls, then the day ends with a cuppa and fruit platter.
Movie Nights
These are held on the last Thursday evening of each month. Evening Dinner and viewing of a newly released movie is provided in the warm and safe environment of the Willows building.
Walking Group
Participants meet at Sumsion Gardens, Wodonga, at 9.30am every Tuesday (weather permitting). This group paces itself to suit the walking level of all involved. They enjoy a chat along the way, then stop for a cuppa before a little more walking. This is a great way to stay active and socialise.
Technology Connects Us (TCU)
TCU is an exciting program run in an informal, relaxed setting to, introduce, demonstrate and help people to become familiar with the benefits of digital connectivity using a range of devices. The classes can be hands-on or participants can sit back and observe and learn at their own pace. Topics include – surfing the internet, applications – the benefits and the fun – video calls, online shopping, internet banking, cyber safety, password protection and much more.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga that is done while sitting. The class focuses on improving posture, flexibility, and core stability in a safe and supportive way. The Willows runs these sessions twice a week.
Gentle Exercise
Gentle exercise sessions are a small group run at the Willows once a week. The sessions help to improve your physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing. It is a great way to socialize and meet new people of similar age and fitness.
Dinner with Friends
Monthly dinner with friends, are held on Monday nights. The staff pick you up and take you home in the bus. Dinners alternate venues around the local area.
Support for carers Group
It can be good to talk with people who have shared similar experiences and can appreciate the role and stress associated with being a carer. IF you care for someone living with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease or who is frail aged, don’t feel isolated when you can come along to our carer’s group. Meet other people who have a lived experience of what it’s like to be a carer.
Our carer’s group has participated in social activities and outings, taking time out from their carer’s role to recharge their batteries and do something they enjoy. Remember, making time for yourself and connecting with other people is important for your mental health and wellbeing and will allow you to continue to be a carer longer whilst managing your stress. Whilst you are participating in the carer’s group, we will look after your loved one at the social activity programs offered at the Willow Centre.
Some helpful links for carers:
- Visit the Lifeline website to find out about staying mental healthy, or call 13 11 14 anytime if you need someone to talk to.
- If you are a young carer, see what support you can get on the Young Carers Network website.
- If your brother or sister has disability, chronic illness or mental health issues, find out more about support from Siblings Australia.
We look forward to meeting you at one or all of these great programs located at The Willows, 11b McFarland Road, Wodonga.
For more information please follow this link to Contact Us