A New Lease of Life
RUBY COX talked to manager Dean Stewart at the Isabel Blackman Centre to find out how it was doing in its mission to change perceptions of both the IBC and life after 50.
The Isabel Blackman Centre (IBC) in Winding Street reopened its doors one year ago on 29 July revealing a space for older people that is not only refurbished, redesigned and revamped, but also reimagined. Primarily a day centre in the past, IBC now offers a huge range of classes, groups and opportunities for learning and enjoyment in line with the ethos that life after 50 should be lived to the full and be fun, exciting and fulfilling.
Bought by a consortium of community groups, IBC in Perpetuity, from East Sussex County Council, it is now run by Age UK and a team of committed volunteers. At the heart of it all is the licensed café/restaurant which is open to the general public (not just over 50’s) and serves freshly prepared affordable meals and snacks throughout the day.
Although it is taking some time for the image of the old IBC to fade from the public eye, it’s becoming clear that, given the opportunity, older people maintain a vast variety of interests which stretch far beyond sitting and chatting with a cup of tea and a biscuit (although there is plenty of opportunity to do that too)!
Dean told me that many classes are now fully booked, and new ones are starting up all the time, often in response to requests from members (Spanish is the latest). Classes like Yoga and Tai Chi have proved particularly popular, and various exercise classes are available, tailored to different levels of fitness. There are also classes designed to help with specific conditions (such as diabetes) and referrals are received both from the NHS and from ESCC to help with physical and mental health problems.
IBC is particularly proud of the gym, a space where older people need not feel they have to compare themselves with Lycra clad gym bunnies, but simply enjoy exercising with others facing the same challenges as themselves.
One particular success is the LGBT support group, which meets on Monday afternoons, clearly indicating the need for older members of that community to be able to come together and talk about issues that are important to them.
Occasional activities such as the quiz, cinema and table tennis complete the picture, along with treatment rooms where massage and facial treatments can help banish aches, pains and wrinkles. And last but not least, there is also a shop selling good quality used clothing where you can pick up a bargain or two.
So if you want to know more, just pop in or visit the website isabelblackmancentre.co.uk
And don’t forget IBC are always looking for more volunteers!
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