Valley Leisure has stepped in to save and expand a much-loved social club for older adults
Older adults in Andover are set to benefit from the revival of a vital community programme, after local charity Valley Leisure Ltd took over the running of a popular club from The Brendoncare Foundation.
Now renamed the I Can Community Club, the group offers a trio of weekly activities – indoor Kurling, a pub quiz, and a Friday social – all designed to help older residents stay active, stay connected, and live well.
The change comes after Brendoncare, a Winchester-based charity, reached out earlier this year to find new operators for several of its community clubs across Hampshire and Dorset. Valley Leisure Ltd, recognising the value of the Andover group, stepped in to ensure it could continue.
Club members also enjoy themed workshops such as I Can Get Up!, which teaches people how to rise safely after a fall, and I Can Do Tech!, a new digital support session run in partnership with local charity Unity.
Additional member benefits include a free ten-pin bowling taster at Riverside Activity Zone, a monthly newsletter, and access to the online I Can community. Membership is £15 per month, with help available to set up direct debit payments.
Liz Murray, Head of Active Ageing at Valley Leisure Ltd, said:
“Adopting the Community Club from Brendoncare was a no-brainer. The programme aligns perfectly with our mission to help older adults move more and feel better.”
The club is run by a dedicated team of volunteers – many of whom are older adults themselves – with members currently ranging in age from their 60s to mid-90s.
According to Hampshire County Council’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, over 22% of Test Valley’s population is already aged 65 or over – a figure set to rise significantly by 2030. As people live longer but spend more years in poor health, community clubs like this play a key role in helping people stay independent and well.
Interested in joining?
Visit www.icantherapycentre.co.uk/community-club or call 0300 373 1066 for more details.
