Immediate Release
5 December2013
Open Age to get active on National Lottery Live
Age is no barrier to an active life for the guests on this week’s
National Lottery Live TV show.
Open Age run more than 350 weekly activities to help older people
across central London maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
The West London-based organisation, which is celebrating its 20th
anniversary, has received more than £1 million of National Lottery
funding and works with more than 1000 people each week including
one aged 103!
Project director Helen Leech and 91-year-old Sonia Kent from
Kensington, who not only participates in sessions but volunteers a
day a week to work on Open Age’s busy reception, will join host
Chris Evans on the BBC One show this Saturday 7 December at
9.50pm.
Mrs Leech said: “Open Age works with older people aged 50 to
beyond 100 to help sustain their physical and mental fitness and
develop new interests.
“National Lottery funding has enabled us to make a real difference
to the lives of older people. Our activities are designed to help to
reduce loneliness and isolation and allow those taking part to learn
new skills in a warm and friendly social environment.
“Activities vary from those which are health and fitness related such
as yoga, Tai Chi and zumba to educational, creative and performing
arts and computer classes. We also provide a valuable outreach
service to support those most at risk of isolation to attend activities,
as well as an employment programme to help those over 50
struggling to find work .
“Age is no barrier to our members as we assist them live full and
active lives.”
Mrs Kent added: “I joined Open Age because I lost my husband
and wanted to go somewhere where I could take part in activities
and meet up with others .
“I currently participate in singing and ‘steady and stable’ exercise
classes and also volunteer.
“I get a great deal of pleasure from attending, have met some
wonderful friends and it has made a tremendous difference to my
life
Jackie O'Sullivan, from the National Lottery, said: "The
National Lottery funds many fantastic projects which make a
massive difference to the lives of older people.
"We are delighted to be able to showcase the magnificent work of
Open Age to an audience of millions. It is important that National
Lottery players know how their money is helping provide such a
valuable and dedicated service and giving older people a new lease
of life.”
National Lottery players raise more than £33 million for projects
each week, and since 1994 a staggering £30 billion has been raised
for more than 420,000 projects across arts, sport, heritage, and
community projects.
To find out more about how National Lottery players' are supporting
people, projects and places throughout the UK visit
www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact: Ruairi O’Kane at the National
Lottery on 07788 612804 or ruairi.o’[email protected]
For information on Open Age contact director Helen Leech on 020 8964
1900 or 077302 18970 or visit their website www.openage.org.uk
Open Age has received more than £1 million of National Lottery funding
through the Big Lottery Fund