Older residents from east London demonstrated their joy and passion
for European culture by going on a on a day trip to France.
Genesis Community, the charitable foundation of Genesis Housing
Group, took 30 older people from various supported housing schemes
to St Omar and Calais in France for the day on 23 March 2007.
As well as embracing a new country, the trip was organised to give
residents the opportunity to break away from their daily routine
and provide a fun and informal platform to meet other residents
from other Springboard Housing Association schemes (a subsidiary of
Genesis Housing Group).
Fresh croissants and pain au chocolats were served up on the coach
in the morning, followed by a merry stream of activities such as
'Bus' Bingo, and a French quiz.
The residents spent the day exploring St Omer, hunting for bargains
and experiencing the French cuisine before heading to the Auchan
hypermarket to stock up on food, drink and gifts.
Joan Barker, a resident of Perry Lodge and a member of
Springboard's Customer Association said, "We all enjoyed the day so
much, we had the opportunity to eat good food, spend money and make
new friends. The staff were considerate to customers feelings and
they listened and chatted with everyone."
Residents also helped Genesis Community to raise money for its
Opportunities Fund by contributing £5 each to the trip and taking
part in a raffle for a giant Easter egg. The Opportunities Fund
helps other people from disadvantaged backgrounds to purchase items
or activities and events which will improve their quality of
life.
"It was a great opportunity to arrange this trip. Some of the
residents have not been out of the UK for ten years and others had
never been abroad before. The day was received extremely well and I
hope that this will be the first of many," said George Baddeley,
Community Development Manager of the Genesis Community team.
ends
For more information contact:
Alexander Gaze
PR and Marketing Officer
Genesis Housing Group
020 8150 4755
078 4140 6972
alex.gaze@ghg.org.uk