We have opened the British Foundation’s new Community Centre

On Tuesday 16 October, we launched our new social project: a Community Centre for the Elderly. In partnership with Cultura Inglesa, which has kindly provided us with the venue at its Butantã branch, we are offering free activities three mornings a week for all interested older people.

The concept of a Community Centre

The Community Centre is a centre offering a range of activities that contribute to healthy ageing, the development of independence and social skills, the strengthening of family ties and community life, and the prevention of situations posing a social risk to people over the age of 60.

We know that healthy ageing requires adopting a lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, physical and mental activity, and social interaction. The Community Centre focuses strongly on two of these pillars, providing both the physical and mental activities and the social interaction necessary for older people to enjoy a better quality of life.

For this reason, we have decided to dedicate ourselves to this project and are absolutely certain that it will have an extremely positive impact on the lives of all older people who take part in the free activities we are offering.

A opening ceremony

The opening was a very important moment for us at the Foundation Britânica, and several of our directors were present to attend this event, which marked the culmination of the design and implementation process for our Community Centre.

In addition to the FBB team, we welcomed a number of leaders working on behalf of the elderly in the city of São Paulo, such as Ms Marly Feitosa and Mr Ariovaldo Guello, representatives of the Greater Municipal Council for the Elderly of São Paulo and the Pinheiros Elderly Forum, respectively. Also present were coordinators from the PAI (the City Council’s Elderly Support Programme) and other Community Centres in the Butantã area.

Finally, we welcomed dozens of older people interested in the Community Centre, who have already taken the opportunity to get to know one another and take part in the first activity of the Our project: a circle dance led by one of our instructors.

Photos from the opening ceremony

Activities at our Community Centre

Initially, we will be offering workshops in Occupational Therapy, Memory Training, Drama and other activities designed to stimulate older people, both physically and mentally, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. The full timetable can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

British Council Community Centre Timetable

Our aim is to keep the timetable open so that participants at the Centre can suggest new activities. We believe that only in this way, with the active participation of those who benefit from the project, can our project be successful.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Community Centre or would like to receive further information, please send us a message ! Our doors are open to everyone!