The Hop50+ is a community space and café open seven days a week offering support to people aged over 50 across the city to prevent loneliness and social isolation. Managed by Impact Initiatives, The Hop50+ is located within the St John`s Church building on Palmeira Square and is well signposted from Church Road and First Avenue.
Over the next three months, July through to September, there are a variety of interesting and accessible sessions, activities and events running out of the Hop50+.
We offer a creative environment and people can join art groups, singing groups drama sessions. Monday afternoon offers “Drawn to Art” (2 pm – 3 pm) and Wednesday afternoons “The Art Café” (2 pm – 4 pm) both are mixed media art groups facilitated by professional artists and with all materials included.
“Sing Like No One is Listening” runs on Saturday afternoons (1.45 pm – 2.45 pm) and invites people to join in with a very welcoming and entertaining group karaoke session.
“Play Reading with Attitude” on Tuesday mornings (10 am – 11 am) offers people the chance to rehearse and ultimately perform a play of their choice.
We promote physical wellbeing by offering a range of sessions. There are three yoga groups per week (both seated and floor yoga), Standing Tall runs a group on Wednesday mornings (10.30 am – 12 pm) promoting balance, strength, fitness and flexibility and “Move to Music” on Monday afternoons (2 pm – 3 pm) “to feel good and move your body in a fun and creative manner.”
There are regular trips out including Healthy Walks at Devils Dyke, Rottingdean, Worthing Seafront as well as opportunity to go for lunch in popular country pubs. We have also run trips to Charles Darwin`s House in Kent, had a visit to Parliament, days out in Chichester and Hastings and seen the Corpus Cristi Carpet of Flowers at Arundel Cathedral.
The Hop Stop runs every Friday and is only open to people who identify themselves as having, or who have had a diagnosis of early stage dementia. Carers are also very welcome.
Through working with experts and specialists we have developed a programme of innovative and engaging activities which are enjoyable and designed to keep minds and bodies active. We have been building a sensory garden, creating beautiful collages, running a creative art-based discussion group (IGNITE) and planning trips out before the summer ends.
Our Health and Wellbeing Project offers a range of relaxing and therapeutic treatments across the week. Reflexology and Aromatherapy Massage are popular treatments alongside Chiropody, Manicure and Pedicure, Swedish Massage and Facials. Treatments are very affordable, and the Treatment Room is accessible and overlooks the beautiful church garden.
There are always a section of themed events, “one off” activities and taster sessions being offered at the Hop50+. Information about these is available in the monthly programme. As an example:
- Introduction to Zen Doodling on 10th July
- Drop in Meditation taster session on 19th July
- Music for Health taster session on 3rd July
- Playback Theatre on Tuesday 24th July is an improvised form of drama where you can tell your story of funny, exciting and positively inspiring memories of your life
- Jazz in the Morning on 26th July celebration of World Friendship Day on 30th July and also an event promoting Oral Health Care on 30th July
Details about all the sessions are available as a monthly programme either by email or as a paper copy from the Hop50+. Details are also available by calling (01273) 729603 and speaking to a Member of the Team at the Hop50+.
