Loneliness is a growing problem in many communities, and Sunbury is no different.
According to a Salvo report, 46% of people are lonely but too embarrassed to admit it. It also reports lonely people are twice as likely to suffer chronic disease, and one in 20 of us never get out to meet people socially.
However, among the organisations working to close the gap on loneliness is Sunbury Seniors.
Louise Zambello is the group’s president and says its meetings are more of a chance for locals to drop in for a chat than anything else.
“We are all told to exercise and to eat properly, but if you are lonely it’s a killer,” she says.
“A lot of our members live alone for various reasons, life hasn’t always been kind to them. They join our group to increase social interaction, to meet and chat. It’s all very casual.”
Sunbury Seniors has more than 50 active members whose ages range from 65 to 95.
Ms Zambello says while there are plenty of clubs and groups to join in Sunbury, Sunbury Seniors is more of a casual group, giving members a chance to play table games, eat their lunch with friends, listen to a variety of guest speakers, and come and go as they please.
The club is also looking forward to its new clubhouse being built in O’Shanassy St, replacing its old building.
“I have no doubt the new centre will be a beacon of hope and togetherness for our senior community,” says Ms Zambello. “We are already attracting new younger members who are interested in classic cars.
“I see new members arrive and forge new friendships every week. Everyone needs a friend.”
Sunbury Seniors offers:
Arts and crafts group
Texas Holdem card group
Jigsaw puzzles
Board games
Regular guest speakers
Carpet bowls tournaments
Free monthly lunch
Freshly brewed coffee and tea
Sunbury Seniors is open 9.30am to 2.30pm, Mondays and Fridays, Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Dr. The new Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre is due to be finished by the end of October.
Members of Sunbury Seniors play carpet bowls. Photo / supplied.
