Be well and active with your Neighbour Network

While we have had to face unprecedented challenges over the last couple of years, we should not forget to celebrate the small milestones achieved as we come together again in 2022.

The community has shown amazing resilience as we pulled together to help one another. Talented locals Diane Clifton and Susan Hodson made many excellent masks and happily shared them with older members of our community. Our local George St Café at times stayed open serving coffee just to preserve the important hub for many locals. The Village Green at Kere Kere in the Fitzroy Gardens came to life as a safe place to catch up and for children to play. The Swap and Share stand gave residents an opportunity to give plants, herbs, and books to others. Over 300 items were donated to the local Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

Christmas Holiday Hunt

EMNN teamed up with the East Melbourne Group in a hunt for under 12 children following a trail around a section of the Fitzroy Gardens and collecting counting and naming item on December, Monday 20. We finished with prizes, drinks, and lolly bags for each participant. Parents and friends had the chance to meet each other and share a drink and chat at the end of the event.

The Neighbour Network Christmas Drinks

This year was the first time we were able to gather in a large group. It was a wonderful feeling to all be together as we enjoyed the musical talents of John and Alexandra Lidgerwood. The garden and courtyard of a local home came to life with laughter, carol singing and chatter.

Returning to exercise, meeting as a group, chatting to friends on the street, calling in at the local coffee shop are ideal ways to show that life can return to normal. In the coming weeks, subject to the vagaries of COVID, we invite residents to participate once again in a variety of activities offered by the East Melbourne Neighbour Network.

We will resume our Monthly Morning Coffee, making the most of a local open plan courtyard and pavilion to keep us all safe. The Powlett Community Room is ready to welcome new classes and activities every day.  New ideas are sought from the community as we seek to provide additional meaningful, fun, and engaging activities for all age groups. We would love to hear from residents of any age who would like to get involved with EMNN. Your ideas and participation will help strengthen our community and enhance the health and wellbeing of your neighbours.

East Melbourne Neighbour Network Health and Wellbeing Program – Term 1 2022

The East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN) aims to create a thriving and inclusive community and provide a range of enjoyable activities for people of all ages.

All classes are held at Powlett Reserve Community Room which is located beside Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre and Kindergarten, on the corner of Grey and Simpson Street, East Melbourne with entry from Grey Street.

Monday

Health Qigong

Maintain harmony and improve your health and well-being with this gentle mind body exercise class   

that combines physical movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing. Presented by experienced instructor Alissia. Classes run on Monday from 9.00am to 10am during February and March.

Chair Yoga

If you are interested in yoga but have limited mobility or flexibility the try chair yoga – a gentle practice that modifies poses so you can perform them while seated. Chair yoga is for everybody regardless of age, size or ability.Designed to improve flexibility, mobility and muscle strength while also focussing on breathing and mindfulness. Jane presents classes on Monday from 10.30am to 11.30am during February and March.

Gentle Yoga

This gentle class is designed for everyone regardless of age, level of fitness, degrees of flexibility, weight or gender or any other perceived limitation. The class begins with simple breathing exercises, progresses through a series of postures (supine, seated, kneeling, standing,) and ends with a guided relaxation. Options/modifications are given throughout the class to ensure that everyone can participate. Yoga enables us to stay active, resilient and strong and balanced. All are welcome on Monday between 5.00pm to 6.00pm in February and March.

Tuesday

Walking Group

Stay fit and get to know your neighbours. Walking is an easy and accessible way to improve your overall health.  Studies have found that walking in groups can improve mental health and mood   while enjoying a shared experience.

The group meets at the Visitors Centre in Fitzroy Gardens and sets a medium paced walk around the neighbourhood, parks and gardens. Stop for a coffee along the way or at the end. The group walk will meet on February, Tuesday 8, 15, 22 and March, Tuesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and start at either 8.00am or 10.00am depending on interest.

Tai Chi

This year our Tai Chi class has been modified to better suit seniors. Improve your strength and balance through controlled breathing, stretching and gentle artistic movement. Suzanne is the instructor for the classes from 10.30am to 11.30am on February, Tuesday 8, 15, 22 and March, Tuesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Arts & Crafts Workshop

Would anyone be interested in meeting up on a regular basis to work on personal textile projects such as knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, mindful stitching and basket making? An informal get together will be held on February, Tuesday 15 from 1.00pm to 3.00pm to discuss what participants are interested in and how they would like this class to be run.

Thursday

Pilates

These Pilates classes include a series of exercises catering for all fitness levels, focusing on improving your strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Alissia is the palates’ instructor for two sessions in February Thursday 10, 17, 24 and March Thursday 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

Session 1 is from 9.00am to 10.00am while Session 2 runs from 10.30am to 11.30am. There is a third session for men at 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Ukulele For Beginners

The ukulele is an easy and fun introduction to learning a musical instrument. Experience and develop musical skills in an encouraging environment. Class presented by passionate uke player, Michaela.

Classes are held on February Thursday 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 10, 17, 24 at 3pm to 4pm.

Please bring your own ukulele borrow one for the session.

Friday

Gentle Exercise - Move it or lose it

This class focuses on balance, stretching, strength and light cardio to keep you active and confident. Presented by experienced instructor, Jeff Note. This class has already resumed and more members are welcome. A second class will be arranged if there is enough interest.

Dates: February Friday 11, 18, 25 and March 4, 18, 25 and April 1.

Registration and contact details:

For further information about classes or if you have ideas on other activities you would like to   participate in, please visit our Facebook page East Melbourne Connect or contact Sue on 0402 356 533 [email protected] or Ann-Maree on 0417173818 [email protected]

The cost for all classes is either $10 or $12 and covers the instructor’s fee. Classes are paid in eight-week blocks. You are welcome to attend   first class without commitment if you wish to check suitability.

Classes are not held on public holidays. All participants must be fully vaccinated. Classes and class numbers subject to change  due to COVID restrictions •