What is Young at Heart?
Inspired by the TV series “Old People’s Home for 4 year old’s”, Young at Heart is a non-residential, intergenerational community interest company (CIC), for those who are retired, providing an active day outside the home with other like-minded adults. Our community club is a core part of the lives of elderly residents in Heathfield and the surrounding area.
We provide a variety of activities at Young at Heart integrating a rotation of local primary schools and a nursery school, bringing young and old together. Children from 3-11 years old spend time with our members helping the children appreciate they have a part to play in the community and in turn, enriching our members’ days by mixing with the wider community.
We are extremely fortunate to have the use of Heathfield Park Cricket Club, set in a beautiful location with outstanding views.
At Young at Heart we are committed to enhancing your life in retirement in our warm, friendly environment.
A typical day
The Young at Heart day runs from 10am-3.30pm. On a Tuesday morning a start to finish craft is made for all members to take away – there is plenty of help on hand for those who need it! Some times we have guest speakers or professional crafts people who talk us through their skills. On a Thursday morning we host Qigong (similar to armchair yoga) with Rowana Mladek, followed by a singing session with the amazing Angela Brooks who we are very fortunate in having her support. She has sung with the likes of Robbie Williams, Will Young, James Brown to name but a few! Some of her choir members accompany her too. Fridays start with knitting/crochet or a craft activity for the morning and in the afternoon we are joined or join a local school.
We include a healthy and tasty lunch, which is cooked on site and supports the nutritional needs of our members.
Immediately after lunch we are joined by the school children, bringing their reading books to be heard to read by members. This is followed by activities to suit both generations. If the school are working on a particular topic we love to assist. Weather dependent we make the most of the fantastic out door space the Club has to offer.
After the children head back to school, we end our day with a choice of freshly baked cake for tea.
Our Aims
The ethos behind Young at Heart is to combat isolation and loneliness through the integration of local primary schools and a nursery school, supporting those with dementia and those without.
Moving Forward
Young at Heart’s aim is to become a National project. If anyone is interested in setting up another branch or supporting us in any way please contact Rachel, 07971032667
Young at Heart was featured on the BBC “Inside Out South East”.
Watch the video by clicking the image below or click here
Click on the photos to see examples of some of our days and events
How much does it cost?
Young at Heart is a community interest company set up for the benefit of the retired community. We employ staff to ensure the best professional care and have generous volunteers who give up their time to assist.
Young at Heart costs £50 per day.
If you would like more information on how we distribute the profits please click here
We welcome potential new members for a free trial day, please contact Rachel.
Charitable donations from business
We would welcome conversations with businesses or professionals who would like to use their charity allowance to subsidise a place for a patron at Young at Heart. Any kind donation pledges will be dealt with by john@youngatheart.me.uk.
Current subsidies are assisted by – Wealden Funeral Services and Trevaskis Consulting Ltd.
Thank you both again for such a good day on Tuesday and also the amazing lunch. Talk about action packed, you certainly keep us busy and I always feel that I have achieved something different from a normal day at home. In fact the days are getting even better and we all appreciate the effort you put into them.
Sue, Heathfield
How do I get there?
We can pick you up and drop you home at the end of your Young at Heart Day.
We arrange lifts between our staff to collect you in the morning in time to arrive for 10am. They will then collect you and return you home from 4pm onwards. We can pick you up and drop you home at the end of your Young at Heart day for residents in Heathfield, Horam, Broad Oak and Cross in Hand.
Do have a discussion with us if you live further afield as we hope to find a solution for all, though there may be a small additional cost.
We would love to hear from you!
Based in Heathfield Park Cricket Club on the edge of Heathfield Park, we have views across the town towards the South Downs. It is a stunning location with plenty of outdoor space which we take advantage of whenever possible.
To make a booking or to
book a free trial
call Rachel Gibson on
07971 032667
Heathfield Park Cricket Club
School Hill
Old Heathfield
TN21 9AE
rachel@youngatheart.me.uk