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Last modified: 03 Oct 2023 5:13pm

An older lady in a grey hoodie with the legend cuddle hearts, holding some medical equipmentIn just a few weeks, the SWELL Seniors' Lifestyle Expo will be taking place for older residents to connect with more than 100 community clubs, organisations and wellbeing providers and have a great day out.

The expo will be held on Monday 16 October from 9am–2pm at the Lincoln Event Centre. SWELL celebrates the wellbeing and inclusion of Selwyn’s older residents, who can listen to insightful guest speakers, participate in fun activities, and enjoy a variety of food vendors and local market stalls.

One of this year’s stallholders is Lisa Paget, who runs a programme in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Christchurch Women's Hospital for babies/pēpi, called Cuddle Hearts. It works by having the mother and baby wear a fabric heart and swap them over at the end of the day, so they have each other’s scent.

This can help reduce anxiety and increase bonding. “Some of our older folks would know someone or would have had family go through NICU and understand how tough that journey is,” says Lisa.

“We’ve had a lot of grandparents wanting to help by making Cuddle Hearts, the stitching is easy to follow and it’s something positive to do. The feedback that we get from parents is overwhelming.”

“People can pick up a pack with fabric, a pattern and instructions from any of the libraries in Selwyn, and we plan to have some made up for the SWELL Expo. I’m really looking forward to participating.”

The Cuddle Heart programme needs about 3000 hearts every year. Volunteers also help Lisa to sanitise, iron and package the hearts before they get delivered to the hospital. You can email Cuddle Hearts to find out more.

A two-week series of fun activities called The SWELL Series is also happening after the expo, running from 17–26 October 2023. From high tea and fitness classes to walks and bingo — there is something for everyone. You can find more information at selwyn.govt.nz/swell or pick up a copy of the latest What’s on in Selwyn brochure from your local library or Council Community Centre.