The Third Age Centre officially opens its doors in Southampton at the end of the month. KATE THOMPSON looks at what's on offer for the city's over-55s...

JUST BECAUSE you are over 55 doesn't have to mean you are over the hill - that's the message from Southampton's new Third Age Centre.

Whereas in years gone by the end of a working life meant retirement and slowing down - nowadays, for many, it means being busier than ever learning new skills, carrying out voluntary work and taking up a new hobby.

The Third Age Centre in Southampton will be officially opened on January 30 by the city's MPs, Alan Whitehead and John Denham.

As well as offering a base to many of the city's caring groups who work with and for the elderly, the centre also offers over-55s the chance to join a yoga class, take part in drama workshops and improve their drawing skills at art classes.

Centre manager Anju Odam said: "The drama group wanted to challenge myths about age and the stereo-typing of age - and eventually they want to take their work into schools.

"As well as the leisure and educational aspects, we want to be an advice and information centre. We will have representatives from the Citizen's Advice Bureau, the carers' association, the pensioners forum and even a travel agents who can all give advice on specific days," she said.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN:

Former head of older people's services at Southampton City Council, Tony Almeida, is delighted the centre has become a reality, after many years of hard work and toil.

He hopes it will become the focus in the city for older people - a one-stop shop for anything to do with the over-55s. Many of the ideas they are developing are totally innovative and will hopefully lead to a higher profile for the elderly.

"This is a healthy living centre with a community focus. We are looking at the physical, intellectual and emotional health of the over-55s.

"As well as looking at leisure activities, we are working with people like B&Q because they are very keen on employing older people.

"We want to champion old people's issues and help them find companionship, friendship and mental stimulation with the chance to learn computer skills or get involved in the drama workshop.

"We want to improve the image of old people and give them back their identity," he said.

HISTORY OF THE BUILDING:

Originally built in 1846 as a four-storey home, 11 Cranbury Terrace has had many uses over the years.

During the war it was used as a morgue and in 1964 it became known as the Top Hat ballroom.

It remained a dance venue until 1974 when it was converted into the Tiberius Casino - it was bought by the Millennium Third Age Company in January 2001.

CONVERSION OF THE BUILDING:

As with any major building works, unfortunately they uncovered more problems than they first anticipated. Initially they were faced with damage left by squatters and the effects of rainwater had attacked the structure and listed ceiling finishes.

Environmental health experts had to be brought in to remove used needles and clean up the building.

When asbestos was discovered, areas had to be sealed off and a specialist contractor came to remove and safely dispose of the dangerous material.

A decision was made to strip out the whole structure, which had both time and money implications - but it was well worth it.

Engineers discovered the steel structure left a lot to be desired and had to be replaced. Leaks in the roof had to be attended to and the damp basement was given a special treatment to keep it dry.

Both internally and externally, the building has been transformed within the constraints of its listed building status.

It is now accessible to all. Visitors in wheelchairs can enter the centre from street level and use a lift to access all floors.

THE VISION:

As the number of older people in the population continues to grow, a more positive approach is needed to retirement. The benefits of acquiring new skills, knowledge and interests are widely recognised as being important for good health

This major new project in Southampton aims to provide exciting new opportunities for the city's older people to take part in a wide range of health, educational, social, cultural and leisure activities - all in one specially designed centre.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

A centre for health and social organisations able to offer advice and services to older people

A centre where older people can attend as individuals to take part in social and learning activities - and the opportunity to offer their skills and experiences to other older people and the community generally

A base for health and social care agencies and voluntary organisations working with older people.

The Centre in Action

There are a number of rooms and facilities for many different uses. The upper and lower ground floors offer the main venues and services to the public, including an exhibition area, training and conference rooms, health and therapy rooms, IT suite, arts and crafts, information and advice resources. The top two floors will be home to Age Concern, the Quinn Centre and Southampton City Primary.

HEALTH AREA:

There are two therapy rooms and a health resource area offering advice on healthy eating and dietary advice, stop smoking groups, physical activity and health walks, complementary therapies and health clinics for problems such as leg ulcers.

COMPUTER SUITE:

The UK Online Centre, run by co-ordinator Doreen Finlayson, is based within a specially designed computer learning suite. It has ten computers all linked to the internet - and there is friendly informal training on offer. Classes will take participants through from how to switch on your computer right through to learning about the Internet and e-mail. Users can also learn about other hi-tech gadgets like fax machines and digital cameras - and to help them keep in tune with their grandchildren, they can even find out about computer games.

For more details of activities at the Third Age Centre call 023 8071 1700 or e-mail: projects@thirdage.co.uk