About us: a network of friendship and support for seniors.
Remember the villages of yesteryear, where people looked out for one another, helped each other out with errands, got together regularly and often became friends along the way?
Well, as its name suggests, Virtual Village East is the modern equivalent – a local network of friendship and support created especially for seniors.
Members stay active and connected through a range of activities, events and gatherings designed specifically for older people, as well as access to local support services and neighbour-to-neighbour services.
Whether you choose to live in your own home or in a retirement village, Virtual Village East can help you maintain your independence and get the most out of life.
The best of both worlds.
Research shows that the main benefits of living in a retirement village are companionship and support. However, many older people either don’t want to or can’t afford to live in a retirement village … so this offers the best of both worlds!
We know that East Auckland already has a very strong community for seniors, so it’s not intended to duplicate existing services – rather to help people connect with services, fill gaps where there are no services, and most importantly, create new networks of friendship and support for older people in our community.
Virtual Village East isn’t part of HBH Senior Living: it’s an independent community service initiated by HBH – and we continue to support this helpful network for seniors in our community.
In addition to providing a part time co-ordinator, HBH provides facilities such as the gym, physio space and lounges, because this helps to keep costs as low as possible (or free) for participants. Many of our senior classes and get-togethers are held at community venues, such as our information mornings at Te Tuhi.
For locals. By locals.
Virtual Village East is a community, not-for-profit organisation designed to support older people living in the East Auckland area including Pakuranga, Howick, Botany and Flat Bush.
It was initiated by HBH Senior Living as part of their mission to ensure that older people in our community have the care and support they need to enjoy fullness of life. The establishment committee will continue to contribute to the development of the Village and the running of events.
Based on a model of Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities founded in Boston, USA, Virtual Village East is a formative member of the international Village-to-Village Network – and the first ‘virtual network’ for seniors in New Zealand.
“Virtual Village connects members with each other and with the resources we all need to remain active and independent while ageing in our homes. Think of it as the old-fashioned village.”
Barbara Davis, Virtual Village East Establishment Committee
“Staying independent as you age isn’t about having no support, it’s about embracing support. That’s where Virtual Village East steps in – offering you regular opportunities for companionship and friendship – and connecting you to the services you need to live life your way.”
Juliette Tuckey, CEO
Keen to join?
Click on the button below to be part of this exciting new network of friendship and support.
Keep in touch
Sign up for regular updates and invitations to events and activities. You can also follow our page on Facebook.
