The Returned Services League (RSL) Tumby Bay Sub-Branch offers regular social activities at its clubhouse for all members of the community, promoting meaningful social interaction and offering opportunities to improve their physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Positive mental health is also supported, encouraging a sense of belonging and involvement, helping to reduce loneliness and depression in the community. Older community members and those with disability are actively supported to attend.

Part of the deal is ensuring the comfort and accessibility of those who attend the sessions, so the RSL, supported by Office for Ageing Well through Grants for Seniors 2022-2023, has purchased a range of equipment to meet the needs of older venue users and those with a disability.

Along with being comfortable, the new low and high-backed lightweight chairs have arms allowing a sitting to standing transfer, promoting independence, and reducing reliance on the assistance of others.

Chair height is adjustable, catering for and supporting individual body type, and making repositioning easy. The chairs have padded vinyl seating, able to support a maximum of 200 kilograms, and their light weight reduces the risk of injury for volunteers when moving them.

Suitably designed drinking cups and cutlery were also purchased, supporting those with poor motor skills and tremors. Hospital style over-ways have allowed the serving of food and refreshments, with less chance of spills.

The new equipment has improved the dining out experience for everyone.

Betty, the Senior Golden Girl, who has Parkinson’s disease, was key to selecting suitable chairs and equipment. Betty was a nurse and avid dancer, and now joins the “Just Love to Dance” group weekly, and while her feet would love to be dancing, she still gets much enjoyment from the social interaction with dancers and friends.

The Tumby Bay RSL dance group encourages mobility through social activities of music and dance therapy, hosting weekly music and dance events for older people and people with disability. It also welcomes residents of local hostels and hospitals, where every care is taken to keep participants safe and make their day memorable.

The RSL dance group has observed the therapy igniting a spark in persons with a diagnosis of dementia. Dancers have found visits from older people, people with disability and hostel and hospital residents extremely rewarding and volunteers enjoy the positive response from attendees.

Weekly social meals, eight–ball competitions and darts also encourage and support the psychological wellbeing of older members and visitors.

The Tumby Bay RSL proudly offers a friendly, safe, and inviting venue for all.

Further information on RSL Tumby Bay Sub-Branch is available at rslsa.org.au.