Recently we had a member of our community approach us asking if it was possible to find others who would like to walk regularly for exercise. Understanding how much exercise and getting out for some fresh air is for our well being we are supporting this initiative whole heartedly.

'Rugging up' and getting out and going for a walk, at this time of the year is great for keeping active of course but is also important for our mental health, to get out of house and see some other people, have a chat, its a great pick me up when sometimes the weather gets us down.

We have advertised on Facebook and now have a small group who have started walking together. We hope to grow the group and rather than have a set day and time for the walks, the group can chat on a private Facebook page and communicate with each other about times for walks. It won't be possible for everyone to be available at the same time so its good to have a bit of flexibility. 

If you would like to join the group please contact us at the Community House.

 I am privileged to be able to oversee the running of our Luncheon Club for Seniors every month, our Luncheon Club has been running for over 15 years. Until recently it was run by the Lakeside Lions on behalf of the Community House, but the time came to pass the mantle and it passed in to my hands. 

Each month we have around 35 -40 attend luncheon club, the two course menu is simple, it's how the guests like it, you can expect a fish pie, casserole, cottage pie or something along those lines, always accompanied by a good serving of veg. And there is always a crowd pleaser dessert, think chocolate self saucing pudding, apple crumble and topped with ice cream, custard or cream. Yum! 

Its not all about the food, more importantly it's about the people. There are the guests that arrive excited and ready for a catch up, but there are also the volunteers. Since the Lakeside Lions stepped back from running Luncheon Club we have been very lucky to find a great new group who have put their hand up to help out. It has been so nice to see them come in so enthusiastically and willing to give up their free time, around 3-4 hrs once a month to do something that makes such a difference. 

There is also the 'old guard' that I must mention, a superb gentleman who began volunteering for Luncheon Club many years ago and still is, he is an absolute gem, and has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth changeover. He also makes the most incredible desserts and is pretty handy with any dish he turns his hand to. He is a wonderful friendly face that I look forward to seeing, not just every month at Luncheon Club but quite often when he pops in for a chat at the Community House. 

So the feel good feeling that I have titled this post is about feeling good from being able to make others feel good, I suppose it is a pretty selfish thing, but I love being able to make others feel good, to get a smile from just some small talk, That is the feeling our volunteers get also, and I guess that is part of the reason volunteers do put their hand up to volunteer. If you have time on your hands think about volunteering, it really does have that 'feel good' feeling. 

It's so important to keep your home warm and dry for the health of your family. A cold, damp home can lead to health problems and make existing health issues worse. The ideal temperature for your home is between 18-20 degrees. If you can't heat all the all the rooms you use heat the living room during the day and bedrooms before you go to bed.

Handy tips: 
Keep draughts out: Older homes can sometimes be very draughty around windows and doors, make your own draught stopping 'snakes' from old stockings by stuffing in old socks, cushion filling or newspaper
Keep the warmth in: Open the curtains to let the sun in and then close them before it is dark to trap any heat inside and don't let it escape out the window. 
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How can Work and Income help
If you need assistance to pay for additional heating during the winter you may eligible for help from WINZ 
​The following is from www.msd.govt.nz
Advance on benefit
If there is something you need and you can't afford to pay for it right now, like an overdue power bill or a heater for your home, you may be able to get some of your benefit paid ahead of time. You will need to pay this back and there are conditions, so please discuss this with your case manager.
Special Needs Grant
This payment can help with urgent things that you really don't have any other way to pay for, like emergency medical care, bedding, or food bills. You won't usually have to pay this back but there are conditions so please discuss this with your case manager.
Temporary Additional Support
If you are suffering hardship and need help with your essential living costs, like power bills or accommodation costs, and you have no other way of meeting those costs, please talk to us. This support is time limited and has conditions.
Recoverable Assistance Payment
This is for people not receiving a main benefit. If you need something but can't afford to pay for it right now, like a heater or overdue power bill, you may be able to get this assistance. You will need to pay it back and there are conditions.
Disability Allowance
This allowance can help with extra costs that you, your partner, or child may have because of a disability. It can help pay for things like regular visits to a health practitioner, medicines, or extra heating for your home.
Accommodation Supplement
This payment can help you with rent, board, or the cost of owning a home. You may be able to get it if your income and cash assets are lower than a certain amount, but not if you are renting a property from Housing New Zealand.


 **The information provided here is for information purposes only, and is to the best of our knowledge and as such should not be perceived as professional advice in regards to health, finances or any other field. This blog is opinion-based and may or may not reflect the ideas, ideologies or points of view of any organisation we are affiliated with.**