Pippa Bonner is a trustee of Growing Old Grace-fully. Pippa recently retired from hospice work in Leeds where she ran a bereavement service. Pippa has written a moving and illuminating personal reflection that is particularly relevant at this time. “During Lent and Easter we are reminded of mortality, resurrection and eternal… Continue reading
Have you heard that this week is Dementia Prayer Week, spearheaded by Birmingham’s Pastoral Care Project? Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham says: “Prayer is one very powerful way of connecting with all concerned. Let us pray for and with those whose lives have been touched by dementia. In… Continue reading
Leeds Homeshare is a scheme that aims to prove the opening words of Psalm 133 to be true. The scheme carefully matches an older person, who might need some help to live independently in their own home, with someone who has a housing need. In return for providing low cost accommodation,… Continue reading
In the course of our life, many of us will experience periods of hospitalisation, which also carry with them a loss of control. And nearly everyone has to spend some time as an out-patient. The longer we live, the more likely we are to find ourselves in hospital. But whether… Continue reading
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign. Christine Rossetti (1830-94) Dear friend The period before Christmas can be a particularly busy one. Here at Growing Old Grace-fully we too have been swept up in the busyness… Continue reading
This week, 31st October-6th November, is Trustee’s Week and I want to say a massive THANK YOU to all our trustees for their enthusiasm and commitment, as well as the skills and wisdom they have brought to direct Growing Old Grace-fully‘s work in the Diocese. Paul, Ann, Anne, Carol, Pippa, Cath and Fr… Continue reading
Where would we be without grandparents, who deliver an estimated £7.3 billion of free childcare each year (Grandparents Plus & Age UK Report, May 2013). Pope Francis marked Italy’s Grandparents’ Day on 2nd October with a reception of older people and their carers. Here is an excerpt from his speech:… Continue reading
Growing Old Grace-fully were so pleased to be invited to an event at Leeds Irish Centre by Leeds Irish Health & Homes, to hear the findings of some recent research into memory loss and the needs of the Irish community. One of the findings of this research that struck home… Continue reading
Mary Mother of God, Bradford, are now the 5th Parish in our Diocese to start the process of becoming a recognised ‘dementia-friendly Parish’. Thank you to everyone who attended ‘Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Parish’ session on Tuesday 20th September. Growing Old Grace-fully was given such a warm welcome, which started with evening mass. 17 people… Continue reading
Liverpool are the first Roman Catholic Archdiocese to join the Dementia Action Alliance – so they can display this badge. Being Dementia-Friendly means being Later-Life-Friendly. We would be so delighted if Leeds Diocese were the next Diocese to join. You can read about Liverpool’s plans in this article from the… Continue reading
