Ushaw gets into swing with tea dances

A new initiative is helping older people put their best foot forward at a County Durham cultural venue.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens has launched the sessions in its refectory, giving around 40 people aged 65 and over the chance to socialise and enjoy traditional dancing.

A £2000 grant from the Banks Group’s community fund is helping cover costs, while a free shuttle bus transports participants from surrounding villages.

Led by experienced dance professional Dianne Proudfoot, the sessions teach participants a range of moves before giving them the opportunity to dance together.

Further events are planned for the first Wednesday afternoon of September, October and November.

Charlotte Hutton, learning and engagement officer at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, said: “Older people can face a range of different challenges such as social isolation, adjusting to being retired or being recently bereaved, with the social contact that’s provided through our events really making a difference to their overall wellbeing.

“Taking part in events like this brings a whole range of different benefits, from improved physical and mental health and a stronger sense of purpose through to making new friendships and building the confidence to try other new activities that they might not previously have thought about.

“We also know that transport can be an issue for many older people, especially to a venue like ours that’s a little bit out of the way, so have introduced the shuttle bus service to make sure no-one misses out.

“Our August tea dance was a complete sell-out and it’s been wonderful to see how much everyone has been enjoying themselves as they’ve swept gracefully around the dancefloor.

“The support we’ve had from Banks has been crucial in helping us make these tea dances happen and the positive impacts that they have will last for a long time into the future.”

The initiative forms part of Ushaw’s programme of creative activities designed to support wellbeing, confidence and social connections among older people.

Ushaw is also working with organisations including Age UK County Durham to widen participation and is exploring extending the tea dances into the new year.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “This is a lovely project that brings people together from across local communities in a beautiful location and gives them the chance to learn new skills, spend some quality time together and make new friends.”

Places at Ushaw’s tea dances are free for people living in all DH postcodes, as well as in DL13-17, but are limited and must be booked in advance.  

For further information, click here.

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