Ambarès-et-Lagrave: the CCAS strengthens its support for the population with new measures

The Community Social Action Center is setting up animal mediation workshops, cultural activities and civic service to combat the isolation of seniors.

The board of directors of the Communal Social Action Center (CCAS) has just approved the renewal and implementation of new measures to support the population. The agreements with the Ambarésienne Sports, Health, and Disability Association (ASA), the one concerning the co-organization of the Senior Olympics, will be renewed, as will the Monalisa charter (National Mobilization Against the Isolation of the Elderly).

Four new initiatives will complement the CCAS's existing initiatives. An agreement with the En Symbiose association will offer animal-assisted therapy workshops for seniors. "This is a new initiative that is close to our hearts. Animal-assisted therapy reduces anxiety, stimulates memory, and provides comfort. It improves motor skills and social connections. This approach is practiced through the presence and interaction with dogs and guinea pigs to improve people's health and well-being," emphasizes Emmanuelle Arnaud-Monperrus, director of the CCAS.

A partnership with the Gironde department and the Limbes company will allow for the development of cultural activities, and the partnership with the Idées créatives association will focus on the well-being, autonomy and development of retired people.

Among the actions taken to combat the social isolation of older people, an agreement was signed with the Senior Solidarity Civic Service. This agreement will be one of the driving forces behind the fight against and support for intergenerational connections. It will be ensured by the recruitment of a young volunteer for ten months. As part of this action, Annabelle Gourviat, Deputy Mayor in charge of solidarity and Vice-President of the CCAS, emphasizes "that it is important to support the commitment of young people, which can be an effective solution to prevent isolation and loss of autonomy among older people, but also a real career springboard. This new recruit will be a relay for the local facilitator."