The Bourne Initiative

New Community Help and Support Project for Local Carers.

Action for Elders have joined forces with Carers First to bring some much-needed help for local carers, made possible by the Community Fund from the National Lottery.

Carers are so often undervalued in society: they are the unsung heroes of later life whether they are caring for partners, older relatives or friends. Caring for someone can be very rewarding but it can also lead to stress, isolation and put a strain on the everyday health of the carer.

The Balanced Lives for Carers programme is an opportunity for carers to get together to share experiences and improve their health and fitness. Bourne Initiative programme members meet every Friday for an hour of exercise and friendly social interaction.

During Covid lockdown, the sessions take place online via Zoom from 11 am to 1 pm.

If you need support to get set up on Zoom, we can help, just let us know your requirements.

Restarting live sessions

From January, we are hoping to run the sessions in person at:

Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9AE
Commencing Fridays, 11 am to 1 pm.

Because of changes in Government measures, please keep revisiting the website for our latest updates.

Taking part

The scheme is open to anyone over 50 who are carers. Spaces at the in-person events will be limited to start with because of the need for social distancing. This will be a friendly, but safe environment, but there will be plenty of opportunity to take part.

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to take part via Zoom. If you need support to get set up on Zoom, we can help, just let us know how you want to take part.

If you want to take part contact:

lincsadmin@carersfirst.org.uk or call 0300 303 1555

The Balanced Lives Programme

Balanced Lives Bourne is part of our countrywide Balanced Lives programmes which have shared aims:

• We want to improve social connectiveness by supporting participants to form friendships and take part in activities based around their needs and interests.
• We welcome your ideas on activities and input into all our sessions.
• We aim to improve physical mobility and strength through movements based on Tai Chi.
• Our exercises are fully supported by a wide-ranging series of videos on our YouTube channel, which you can link to on the YouTube icon below.
• Improve mental wellbeing through discussion and shared experience to help reduce stress and anxiety.