Free Courses for Older Drivers, events & news... |
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Don't let all this rain get you down. There is always the bright side that the shortest day is just over a week away and before you know it summer will be upon us. In the meantime you can snuggle up with this newsletter, filled with exciting opportunities, upcoming events, and useful information just for you.
We also have some free spaces at our upcoming Staying Safe refresher driving course. If you haven't done this course yet, then this is your opportunity! It's free and well worthwhile. Click here to register, or read on to find out more.
Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. You are valued!
Please give us a call on 04 499 6646 or email info@acwellington.org.nz if you would like to get in touch with us.
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STAYING SAFE FREE CLASS FOR OLDER DRIVERS |
Staying Safe is a FREE classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with NZTA/Waka Kotahi. They run from 10am till 2pm with refreshments provided. Please join us, even if you've already taken the course in the past.
Registration is required. To register for a class now, click on the link below, phone us on 027 248 0335 or email events@acwellington.org.nz Next class is this coming Thursday! Places still available. -
CENTRAL WELLINGTON: Thursday 19 June: Anvil House, Wellington 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
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EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING WORKSHOP - UPPER HUTT
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Adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief - Upper Hutt: Cossie Club, Wednesday 23 July, 10am - noon.
This Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Workshop is made available through a collaboration between Age Concern Wellington Region and the Catholic Social Services, using Seasons for Growth resources. The aim of the workshop is to strengthen the emotional and mental wellbeing of adults who are adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief in their lives, such as death, separation and divorce. It’s a small group programme that combines psychology and education with peer support, within a person-centred learning approach. Suggested donation: $15 to help cover materials. Spaces limited.
When: Wednesday 23 July 2025, 10AM - 12PM Where: Upper Hutt Cossie Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt Please register by filling in the form online (click the blue button below). |
GUIDED TOUR OF PUKEAHU PARK |
Join us for a free one-hour guided tour of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park!
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is the central place for New Zealanders to remember and reflect on this country's experience of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes our ideals and sense of national identity.
We are working with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage to bring you free guided tours of this amazing park. When: Tuesday 29 July, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Where: Meet at the Pukeahu Education Centre, 191 Tory street. Parking available by the Education Centre. Turn into 191 Education Centre's driveway, there is parking on the side there.
Bookings are essential so please call Vanessa on 027 248 0335 or email events@acwellington.org.nz to reserve your space. This programme is accessible for different mobility needs.
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The monthly Upper Hutt Social Connection Hub is a social gathering for seniors where you can enjoy a light lunch and make new friends. When: Wednesday 9 July 2025, noon Where: Heretaunga Community Church, Upper Hutt Drop in or call 04 499 6646 for more information. |
TE POKAPŪ HAPORI COFFEE GROUP |
Join Age Concern for our monthly coffee group for seniors: come by for some tea and coffee, and snacks, and a great speaker!
When: Thursday 26 June 2025, 10.30am Where: Te Pokapū Hapori - Y Central, 107 Manners Street, Te Aro Wellington (last one at this location. New venue TBC).
Drop-in or call 027 248 0335 or email events@acwellington.org.nz for details. |
Join Age Concern for our monthly coffee group for seniors: come by for some tea and coffee, and snacks, and a great speaker! Wellington: Thursday 26 June, Manners St, Y Central at 10.30 am Seatoun: Wednesday 2 July, 2025, Seatoun Village Hall at 10.30 am Linden: Tuesday 8 July, Linden Community Centre, 1.00 pm - Upper Hutt: Wednesday 9 July Heretaunga Community Church at 12 noon
Call 027 248 0335 or email events@acwellington.org.nz for details. |
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STEADY AS YOU GO FALLS PREVENTION CLASSES |
Our Steady As You Go exercise classes are available around the Wellington region. These classes are designed to improve strength and balance and help prevent a fall. Steady as You Go classes improve: -
Balance and leg strength
- Flexibility
- General fitness and wellbeing
And they are a great way to meet new people! Check out some of our available classes... all welcome! -
Wainuiomata (Wainuiomata Library), Tuesdays 11am
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Newtown (Newtown Community Centre), Tuesdays noon
Upper Hutt, Te Kupenga o Rongomai/Maidstone Sports Hub, Tuesdays 11am -
Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay Community Centre, Tuesdays 1pm
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Walter Nash Centre, Taitā, Tuesday 1:30pm
- Johnsonville Uniting Church, Tuesdays 1pm
Hataitai, All Saints Church, Wednesdays 12pm
*NEW* Strathmore, Wednesdays 12.30pm *NEW* -
Island Bay Community Centre, Wednesdays 1.30pm
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Tawa Community Centre, Thursday 1pm
Walter Nash Centre, Taitā, Thursday 1.30pm -
Thorndon, Loaves and Fishes in the Anglican Cathedral, Fridays 1pm
To find out more about Steady As You Go and for a full list of Steady As You Go and Aligned To Go classes around the Region, click here or call 04 499 6646.
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STEADY AS YOU GO ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES – ALL WELCOME |
Wednesdays at 9:30am there is a livestream Steady As You Go class on Zoom. It's open to anyone - you don't need any prior experience. It is a gentle entry-level exercise class, and all you need to do is register by filling in the form online (click the blue button below). The link will be sent to you. Come and join the 20+ other seniors online for some gentle exercise fun together! |
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CAN YOU JOIN OUR REGULAR DONOR TEAM? |
Did you know that Age Concern Wellington Region is a charity? Only about a quarter of our funding comes from the Government and another quarter from local Councils. We need to raise the rest of the funding we need to keep the programmes you've just read about in this newsletter going.
We have a team of donors who contribute to our work on a regular basis. Regular donations help us budget and plan for the future. Are you able to join our regular donor team? Even $10 per month makes a real difference!
To make a regular donation using our secure website, click the button below. Select your donation frequency using the drop down menu on the form. Or you can call us if you want to make a regular payment using internet banking directly. |
NZ POLICE DOG TRAINING CENTRE VISIT |
Have you ever wondered how police dogs are trained to protect and serve? Join them for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the NZ Police Dog Training Centre – organised by Kia Ora Academy!
When: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Tuesday 8 July 2025 Where: Dante Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt (Wellington) Free to attend – Registration required (limited to 40 participants) Please register through the link below:
https://forms.gle/t6WRbCsE1FSSKjQJA Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet the trainers and their amazing dogs in action! |
**ALERT**
UNSAFE "SERENE" BATHROOM HEATERS RECALLED |
Consumer Protection New Zealand has determined that there are potential fire risks with some models of Serene Bathroom heaters. Model S2068 has been found to be unsafe and models S207T and S2069 are non-compliant with safety standards. MBIE and suppliers have been working together to recall the products from the NZ market. This applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since June 2018. The model number is on the label on the top of the heater.
More information about this recall and the retailers who are working with MBIE:
If you have a Serene Wall mounted bathroom heater you are advised to check the model number and then go to https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/electronics-and-appliances/serene-bathroom-heaters-recall for guidance.
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FREE TRI-SHAW RIDES – PETONE |
Riding with Olivia is the Lower Hutt chapter of the global Cycling Without Age charity and was established for the principal reason of providing a living and dynamic memorial to Olivia Marchant, a much-loved nurse in Lower Hutt for 24 years. Cycling Without Age was seen as the perfect vehicle to keep the memory of Olivia alive in Lower Hutt. Cycling Without Age is a non-profit organisation connecting those unable to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by providing free rides on trishaw ebikes piloted by volunteer cyclists.
Their 3 trishaws are currently based in the Petone Rowing Club building at 160 The Esplanade, Petone (under the Seashore Cabaret Cafe) and they currently limit their rides to the adjacent cycleway.
There is passenger information and a booking form HERE on their website. The rides can be as long (within reason) or as short as the passenger wishes. Typically between 10 minutes and an hour but up to the passenger and pilot to agree.
For further information visit the WEBSITE, or email info@ridingwitholivia.nz or phone/text Jeff at 0275717106.
Read more about the Cycling Without Age which began in Denmark in 2012.
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FREE SOUP AT WALTER NASH CENTRE ON THURSDAYS |
Free soup is available (from the lovely volunteers at St Vincent de Paul) to anyone who may benefit available all winter until the end of Aug 2025 - each Thursday at Walter Nash Centre 10-12pm (or until it's gone). Come earlier to have some, take some home for later or to someone in need. Lower Hutt Neighbourhood Support will have a stall alongside the soup stall most Thursdays. |
NURSE-IN-PHARMACY - PORIRUA |
Life Pharmacy North City now offers a Nurse-In-Pharmacy service. This service is FREE for those eligible. Given the ongoing doctor shortages and challenges in securing appointments and access to healthcare in weekends and after hours, Life North City now has a skilled nurse available in-store, 7 days a week. Additionally, it offers support for online medical consultations. Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sunday 10-6pm Cost Free to U14s and CSC holders. There may be a charge for others.
Free virtual Doctor GP appointments if required – conditions apply
2 Titahi Bay Road, Porirua. Located inside the North City Shopping Centre near the New World Entrance. Walk in or make an appointment. Phone 042375777. |
SOOTHING SONGS COMFORTING PEOPLE NEAR THE END OF LIFE |
Whakaahuru means to warm, to cherish or to comfort and that is the aim of the Whakaahuru Gentle Singers. The group will sing at the bedside (or chair side) of anyone who is nearing the end of life and would enjoy hearing some gentle songs. They aim to create a soothing, warm bath of sound that helps people relax - patients, their family and carers. They offer a free service throughout the Wellington Region. If you would like to request them to sing for someone you know, email whakaahuru@gmail.com, or call or text 022 355 6954. Visit their website for more information here https://whakaahuru.nz/
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Useful Tips
From phone calls and text messages saying you owe money, need to claim a parcel, or must renew an important document, to emails and letters claiming to want to give you money or urgently needing you to renew a registration of some kind, there are countless approaches out there. Sadly, it's important to be on your guard.
Some useful tips include considering requests and asking yourself how the request makes you feel. It's also important never to enter passwords on unknown sites. Even clicking on a link in a text message can be dangerous. Scammers are good at making things seem urgent, so perhaps the most useful advice we've come across is to 'pause, reflect, protect." |
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTS
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- For
emergencies dial 111
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For non-emergency police matters dial 105
- If you are feeling anxious or just
need someone to talk to call or text 1737
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Age Concern Wellington Region 04 499 6646 info@acwellington.org.nz
Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free
ASB Bank Senior Priority Direct Line 0800 272 119 Continence NZ Helpline 0800 650 659 -
Dementia Resources https://www.harrislist.co.nz/
Dementia Wellington 04 972 2595 - Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
Elder Abuse Wellington Helpline 04 805 0880
Entitlements: MSD Senior Services line 0800 552 002 Financial dispute resolution services: Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman: info@ifso.nz Financial Services Complaints 0800 347 257 complaints Financial Dispute Resolution Service 0508 337 337 enquiries@fdrs.org.nz
Banking Ombudsman Scheme 0800 805 950 help@bankomb.org.nz Greater Wellington Regional Council http://www.gw.govt.nz/ -
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Hutt City Council: huttcity.govt.nz/ or 04 570 6666
Kapiti Coast District Council: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz
Lifeline: qualified counsellors and trained volunteers: 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service: 09 623 4812
Porirua City Council: poriruacity.govt.nz/ or 04 237 5089
Samaritans: confidential support, empathetic listeners: 0800 726 666 -
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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Upper Hutt City Council: upperhuttcity.com/ or 04 527 2169
- WellElder: a counselling service for older people, or those supporting an older person. Wellington Region: 04 380 2440 (Tuesday - Thursday)
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Wellington City Council: wellington.govt.nz or 04 499 4444
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THANK YOU TRUST HOUSE FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT |
We really appreciate the recent support of Trust House for our work in Upper Hutt! |
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Age Concern Wellington Region is a registered charity. We are part of a wider network of more than 30 Age Concerns located across the country.
Visit our website to find out more about our work around the Wellington Region and how you can be involved
www.acwellington.org.nz
© Age Concern Wellington Region Trust
Charities # CC61759 |
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