Tendring Community Assets Full Final Report

20 found that men who are unemployed or without a life partner are more prone to experiencing midlife social disconnection and the subsequent associated health risks 15 . 5.3.5 An opportunity exists for promoting some of the volunteering opportunities open to men, many of which can be tailored to meet the individual's skills and fitness levels. This may include sports coaching or providing support and inspiration to younger people, with a range of activities provided through charities such as Lads Need Dads. This charity runs activity and mentoring programmes for boys aged 11-15yrs with absent fathers or limited access to a positive male role model. The courses run during the day or evening and volunteers use a range of their life skills in a range of activities including outward bound and survival training and training in motor mechanics. This type of activity benefits both the volunteers and those on the programme as there is significant evidence that there are multiple mental health benefits for those involved in altruistic activities such as volunteering. 16 5.4 Adult Physical Disability and Special Needs 5.4.1 There are a number of supported living, residential and day care facilities in the district which cater for people with physical disabilities or special needs and learning difficulties. The services offered by the facilities are mainly only available to registered users or residents and their families, although some do host occasional events which are open to the general public or for people with specific disabilities. 5.4.2 There are groups offering support to people with specific conditions, including events aimed at supporting families and carers. The Parkinson Group (affiliated to the Parkinson's Society UK) meets monthly in Holland on Sea and a support group for carers meets monthly in the Kingscliffe Hotel in Holland for a sociable meal out. Cadows Day Care Centre in Clacton hosts an MS Society monthly group on the 3rd Thursday of each month for MS sufferers and their families. The Clacton and District MS Society does also host occasional events such as craft fayres across the district open to the general public, but these are mainly fund raising rather than support groups as such. 5.4.3 There are exercise groups which cater for people with disability, such as the weekly over 60yrs exercise group run at Alresford village hall which is also aimed at people who have had a stroke or other physical disabilities. There is also a sitting only exercise group fortnightly at Alresford and the weekly over 60yrs exercise group in St Osyth also caters for people with disability or limited movement. In Harwich there is the successful Bumble Bees FC inclusive football team, open to people aged 17 and over with any disability including special needs. Clacton, Walton and Dovercourt Bay leisure Centres all offer 50+ and disabled swimming sessions. 5.4.4 Acorn Village in Mistley is a community living scheme for adults with learning disabilities. It has accommodation and facilities to teach life skills, cooking facilities to support training and independent living, a creative craft centre, a sensory room and music session. The sensory room is available for hire by external individuals or groups for 50 minute unsupported sessions. Hirers are shown how to use the equipment and help is on hand with any technical problems. There may be potential to offer activities to outside groups from this establishment in the future, and to develop new services and pop-up sessions to improve the lives of adults with learning disabilities. Acorn Village hosts a coffee shop with walled garden, a charity shop, pre-loved furniture shed and creative craft centre (for all adults with learning disabilities). Regular fund raising events engage the local community. 15 Samaritans, survey 2013 16 Mental Health Foundation: Altruism and Well Being (multiple study report) 2019.