Shepton Mallet Older People (ShOP)
            
Background

Remaining an active member of society in older age is important and influences the quality of life. Older adults' participation in family, community and social life increases their own feelings of fulfilment and respect. Social detachment - when people lack active participation in society leads to isolation, loneliness and vulnerability.

In England in 2006 about 10% of the over 50’s were not members of any political party, trade union or environmental groups, tenants, resident groups or neighbourhood watch, church or other religious groups and charitable associations, and 16% did not participate in social or recreational activities e.g. education, arts, music groups or evening classes, social clubs, sports clubs, gyms or exercise classes and did not have a hobby or pastime. Participation in social or recreational activities fell with age and women were more affected than men. (Source National Statistics Office – Focus on Older People).

Proposal
 
The creation of Shepton Mallet Older People (ShOP) will provide a local focus and outlet for the older residents of Shepton to try new activities, and make new friends, reducing the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

ShOP Forum

This will be held on Saturday 19 September from 2pm to 5pm. The aim of this forum would be:

1. To establish the current perception of Shepton Mallet in the eyes of its older people, and to investigate what these residents would like to see in the future.
2. To develop a programme of cultural, physical and social activities.
3. To investigate establishing U3A in Shepton Mallet

• Monthly Tea Dances on a Saturday from October to December, including one with a live band
• Dance taster sessions and regular dance evenings, current dates for the diary are

Thursday 24 September 19.30	LeRoc (modern jive)
Wednesday 30 September 19.00	Salsa
Wednesday 7 October 19.00	Sequence/Ballroom
Wednesday 14 October 19.30	Ballroom/Sequence

• Establish and run a community choir, meeting weekly from October
• Establish and run a film group, meeting weekly from October