The local mental health charity: Havering Mind that organises the annual Havering Half Marathon event has made the decision to cancel this year’s event due to the COVID pandemic.

Whilst this is disappointing, the worst thing to do would be to stop running!

Running, like other forms of physical activity is great for our mental wellbeing!

Therefore, Havering Mind challenges you to take part in the ‘VIRTUAL HAVERING HALF MARATHON MONTH!’

Between 1^st – 31^st October, take part in your own personal challenge, by running half marathon (or less) around your own route in Havering!

Share pictures of your run and your route on our Facebook page and share with others your fitness challenge!

You can also if you like get sponsorship for your challenge and help Havering Mind continue its vital work! All participants will receive a special commemorative medal and a certificate of thanks for their support.

Our events coordinator Ciaran says ‘Whilst we are of course gutted to not be doing the usual ‘live run’ we are really pleased to be able to offer our runners and local community this unique month long challenge!”

To sign up please visit:

www.haveringhalfmarathon.co.uk

COVID-19 cases are rising quickly in Havering.

Last week more new cases were reported in Havering than in the week before the lockdown was implemented in March, with new cases in Havering higher than both the London and England average.

The Council has been monitoring the increase and, as part of its response, the Government has agreed to the Council’s request that a new walk-through coronavirus testing facility should open in the borough.

The test centre is at the Council-owned Cherry Tree Lane car park off Rainham Road in South Hornchurch.

Please click on link below for more information on Covid 19 testing and booking an appointment in Rainham and Romford

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKLBH/bulletins/29f26ad

London Advantages of Age is a pro-ageing social enterprise with the aim of improving the wellbeing of over 50s. This Autumn, we have two free programmes for Londoners aged 50+ to help build confidence, resilience, and consider their options in these challenging times.

Build your confidence and get active with free Let’s Walk and Talk app.

Want to build your confidence after this tough year?

Looking to get some fresh air every day and keep your mind and body healthy?

Let’s Walk and Talk is a free seven week programme for Londoners aged 50+, designed to make you stronger mentally and physically.

Through an app containing expert advice, you’ll be supported to get walking every day, boost your confidence and resilience, and feel happy and well.

Run by Advantages of Age, you can meet fellow walkers online every week or to join with friends and do the programme together. Funded by Transport for London, the programme starts on Monday 14th September and you can sign up at letswalkandtalk.co.uk 

Free course for over 50s to explore starting your own business

Are you over 50 and currently unemployed, recently been made redundant or looking to branch out on your own?

Startup School for Seniors is a free eight week eLearning course for unemployed Londoners aged 50+, who are looking to start their own business.

This course is for you if:
• You have a passion or idea you’d like to turn into a business
• You want to gain the skills necessary to get a new business off the ground
• You would benefit from the support of others

Run by Advantages of Age, the course is being delivered online by entrepreneur Suzanne Noble and business coach Mark Elliott who create a fun, interactive, learning experience and support you to progress week by week. Funded by London Community Response, the course is free for unemployed Londoners. A discounted price is available for those who are unemployed and living outside London.

The course will start on Monday 5th October. Register for a place by 1 October here.

The multi award-winning, Brookside Theatre are delighted to announce that they are looking for local male performers to join the cast of their exciting forthcoming Christmas production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. The production will be directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director, Jai Sepple.

This musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic story tells that tale of a young girl from Texas, Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz. Along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the very cowardly Lion who is desperate to be brave and have some courage. It’s not going to be easy for Dorothy to find her way home with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz be able to help?
This timeless, much-loved show features all of the classic songs including ‘We’re Off To See The Wizard’, ‘The Merry Old Land Of Oz’, ‘If I Only Had A Brain’, ‘If I Were King Of The Forest’, ‘Ding! Dong! The Witch is Dead!’ and, of course, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.

Jai Sepple explained “The Wizard of Oz has captivated audiences of all ages since the release of the motion picture in 1939 starring Judy Garland. We are so pleased to be able to offer local performers of all ages the opportunity to get involved in unarguably one of the best-known and best-loved musicals of all time this Christmas. We are equally thrilled to have been given permission to stage the production which promises to be truly outstanding.”

Following on from the first set of auditions, the theatre are keen to hear from talented and enthusiastic adult male performers well as boys aged 6+ (max height 5ft2) to take on different  roles.

Rehearsals commence 27th September at the Brookside Theatre and anyone interested in joining the cast should email auditions@brooksidetheatre.com for more information. (Rehearsals are socially distanced)

Tickets for THE WIZARD OF OZ are on sale, online at www.brooksidetheate.com or available from the box office on 01708 755775. The production runs from Wednesday 9th – Wed 23rd December 2020.

Walk, Talk and Breathe deeply

Join Streets Apart for over 65’s walks in your area.

Please click on link below for more information

https://mcusercontent.com/0f1b4e33e8a21d1821217c0a2/files/6d6b8696-5039-439c-9dd8-098334ea3ac0/Streets_Apart_participant_poster.docx

Volunteer to get older people walking more
Would you like to become a walk buddy for an older person?

Streets Apart project helps people to stay mobile – walking to the nearby shops or a park, admiring local history or urban wildlife

Please click on link below for more information

https://mcusercontent.com/0f1b4e33e8a21d1821217c0a2/files/f4d9e951-6b36-4764-94c9-5f4b00bf367a/Streets_Apart_flyer_2.docx

Online referral form for the Street Apart over 65’s walking programme. Please use the link below for a friend or family member to refer, or for an older person to join our walking programme. It enables a secure way to provide a referral where the older person has consented to it. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NWN6SSD