Ditch the Slippers - Crowborough

Ditch the Slippers is a community group which supports people in and around Crowborough, East Sussex to meet up and enjoy a range of activities in a well supported and safe environment.

Three regular activities take place – Games, Singing and Seated Exercise – all ideal for those who have reached a more senior age, including those who may have mental health difficulties or perhaps just feel somewhat vulnerable or lonely because of social isolation within the community.  All our activities also support the well-being of those living with minor physical difficulties or constraints.

Whilst keeping physically active is the immediate focus of our gatherings, members are really welcomed into a friendly social group, supported by experienced volunteers who make sure that everyone can participate to whatever extent is possible for them.

By providing these accessible activities, Ditch the Slippers also gives some respite to many very appreciative carers.

Activities take place on:

• Monday mornings:  Games at United Church in Croft Road
• Alternating Thursdays:  Singing and Exercise at St Richard’s Church

Games
The Games group meets on Monday mornings at the United Church in Crowborough and is led by Vic and our other Monday volunteers.  Players can stand or remain seated to play all of our games and they are thoroughly enjoyed by all

• Skittles is great fun.  We use traditional wooden skittles and a boule to knock them down.  Our scoring system adds a little competition to the proceedings and the winner is awarded a small trophy!
• The game of Boccia comes from a modified bowls game and is played by paralympians.  It’s a firm favourite with our members
• New Age Kurling is a highly accessible game which can be played by people of all ages and abilities, on any smooth surface (no need for ice!).  Long handled pushers are used to propel the stones which are on bearings so they move very easily across the floor

Singing
Once a fortnight, we have a singing session on a Thursday at St. Richard’s Church Hall in Crowborough.  Everybody has a copy of the songbook for the day and members can request their particular favourites for the group to sing together.  These are highly popular.

Exercise
Alternating with the singing sessions on Thursday mornings, we hold exercise classes which are constructed to support people who have limited mobility or who are returning to fitness following a period of inactivity.  For these exercises, people remain mostly seated but with some standing as appropriate.  The exercises are very beneficial and good fun – especially when followed by a cup of tea or coffee!