Friendship Benches
Friendship benches tackle social isolation through good old chat.
Cafler Park’s Rose Gardens prosper this Spring, in a different way than usual. . . whilst the flower buds are still blooming, new friendships are about to flourish.
Whangarei Communities are set to welcome their first two public Friendship Benches at a blessing held in the gardens on Saturday 30 November 2019, 10 am. The blessing is open to the public to come and celebrate the concept.
The Northland Indian Association Inc (NIAI) have proudly donated these two Friendship Benches to the Community in partnership with the Whangarei District Council. “These are the first of two NIAI Friendship Benches and we hope to see others in Northland” says Ralph Correa, Northland Indian Association, Board Chair.
The idea is aimed at combating Social Isolation amongst our communities an issue raised by senior members of the NIAI and the Whangarei District Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Group (PAAG) earlier in the year. Board members of the NIAI were keen to support PAAG as social isolation can also be common in ethnic groups who are settling. The Friendship bench, a village concept is simple yet effective. People can sit and share the space with someone who is open to have a chat, listen, share stories and make friends. All ages, cultures and abilities can participate.
The concept was tested at the Whangarei Central Library inside on the International Day of Older Adults and was well received. The bench was also presented at the “Diwali Festival of Lights” held on 12 October 2019 at Forum North where 500 community members were in attendance.
“Friendship benches are strategically placed in an open and well-travelled by area of the park so that people can easily identify when someone is seeking conversation, but also to ensure people are safe” says Spencer Jellyman, Technical Officer, Parks Department, Whangarei District Council.
People are busy and have less time to stop to have a chat. There is a growing epidemic of Social Isolation, especially after the ‘stranger danger’ days. It may sound like a strong term, but social isolation is a potential danger for many of us. Simple tools like a friendship bench could be the highlight of someone’s day and make a real difference. It’s a phrase we may associate with older people when they become less active and able to engage in their community, but social isolation can easily occur at any age.
“The Friendship Bench is a safe mechanism with the ability to really boost community connections across the district”, says Ralph Correa.
Interested in having more friendship benches around the district? The NIAI is accepting donations to introduce the seats to other areas of Whangarei. For further information please contacting contact@northlandindianassociation.com.
The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
CUSTOM COMFORT: THE REALITIES OF ADJUSTABLE BEDS
In modern sleep solutions, adjustable beds have gained significant attention.
They are known for their promise of enhanced comfort and customizable sleeping positions.
These innovative sleep systems have captured the interest of people who value their personalized comfort and want to improve their sleep.
Let’s explore the world of adjustable beds and look at the expectations and reality to decide whether these beds live up to the hype.
What is an Adjustable Bed?
An adjustable bed is often referred to as an adjustable bed base.
It’s a sleep system that allows users to elevate various mattress parts to create customized sleeping positions. These beds are equipped with motorized mechanisms that let users adjust the angle of their head, feet, and body alignment.
The primary purpose of adjustable beds is to provide comfort and reduce common sleep-related issues like snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.
Adjustable Beds: Do They Help?
Adjustable beds offer a promising solution for improved sleep quality and enhanced comfort.
Let’s look at the expectations vs. reality regarding whether adjustable beds help improve sleep quality.
Expectations: Improved Sleep Quality and Health
Adjustable beds are touted as a solution to various sleep-related problems.
These beds are often marketed to reduce discomfort by allowing users to find their optimal sleeping position. Be it elevated for breathing ease or with legs raised for improved circulation.
With the ability to customise sleeping positions by elevating different parts of the mattress, these beds can alleviate common sleep-related issues such as snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.
Whether adjustable beds truly help can be answered with a resounding yes.
Reality: Evidence-Based Benefits
The reality aligns with the expectations.
Adjusting the bed to provide better support for specific body areas can reduce chronic pain and improve comfort during sleep.
How to Choose an Adjustable Bed?
With various available options, choosing the right adjustable bed requires careful consideration.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Motor Quality and Noise. Opt for beds with high-quality motors that operate. Noisy mechanisms can disrupt your sleep and lead to frustration.
Mattress Compatibility. Ensure the adjustable bed is compatible with your existing mattress, or choose one that pairs well.
Number of Adjustable Zones. Look for beds that allow you to adjust different areas for personalised comfort.
More Features. Some adjustable beds include massage settings, USB ports, and under-bed lighting. Decide if these features are important to you.
Warranty and Customer Reviews. Research the manufacturer's warranty and read customer reviews to get insights into real-world experiences.
Adjustable Bed vs. Regular Beds: A Comparison
The differences go beyond aesthetics when comparing adjustable beds to regular beds.
Adjustable beds offer versatility and customisation that traditional beds often cannot match. The ability to adjust the angle of the head and feet can cater to specific sleep preferences and address various health concerns like snoring, acid reflux, and back pain.
Regular beds provide a fixed sleeping surface without the adaptability that adjustable beds offer.
While adjustable beds offer personalised comfort and targeted support, traditional beds still have their place, especially for individuals with simpler sleep needs.
Expectations: Enhanced Comfort and Flexibility
The primary expectation when comparing adjustable beds to regular beds is that the former offers enhanced comfort and flexibility.
The ability to customise your sleeping position is believed to be a game-changer, particularly for those with specific health concerns or preferences.
Reality: Personalized Comfort and Support
The reality is that adjustable beds do indeed provide a level of comfort and support that traditional beds often can't match.
The adjustability factor can cater to different sleeping positions and reduce discomfort, improving sleep quality and well-being.
Reduce Tension and Sleep Better
In the world of sleep solutions, adjustable beds have proven to be more than a marketing gimmick.
When searching for top-notch adjustable beds in New Zealand, Beds4U is your ultimate choice.
With their thoughtfully curated collection of adjustable beds, experience unmatched comfort and support for a revitalising night's sleep.
Discover Beds4U's range for a refreshing and pain-free start to your mornings.
Loading…
