Ashford Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Faversham Town Council are Kent’s first members of a UK Network of Age-friendly Communities.
They’ve joined over 100 places representing over 30 million residents across Britain committed to making their cities, towns and villages more adapted to the over 50s.
Supported by the Centre for Ageing Better, members work towards improving the places, opportunities and services that help people stay active, connected and independent as they age.
To make ideas a reality, each council is developing local plans that look to, for example, increase public seating and toilets, 'walkable' well-lit wider pavements and social and cultural events for older residents.
Over the next few months, voluntary and community organisations delivering activities that contribute to developing Age-Friendly Communities in all three areas will also be able to apply to Involve Kent for small grants.
The grants scheme, funded by KCC Public Health, has this week launched in Ashford. To find out more, email partnerships@involvekent.org.uk
A key part of Age-friendly Communities is the work of volunteer ambassadors.
Organised by Involve Kent, these dedicated volunteers help older people have their voices heard and ensure their views and experiences help shape local initiatives and community conversations.
If you are aged 50 or over and would like to use your skills, knowledge and lived experience to support positive change in your community:
“From social events and fitness classes to community centres and libraries, I also want to use this global campaign to inspire people to find out what’s on their doorstep”
KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: “With the number of Kent residents over 50 set to rise by 25% over the next two decades to around 840,000, it’s more important than ever that our communities are age-friendly. International Day of Older People is the perfect moment to celebrate the work going on to make this happen.
“From social events and fitness classes to community centres and libraries, I also want to use this global campaign to inspire people to find out what’s on their doorstep. Check out www.kent.gov.uk/careandsupport for information and advice to look after yourself, stay independent and connect where you live."
Gary Wells, Involve Kent's Chief Executive, said: “Kent is on a journey to become an age-friendly county, where people can live well, stay connected, and feel valued in their later years. We hope it’s a journey a lot of people will get on board with by answering our call for volunteers. Ultimately our ambition is for age-friendly communities to continue expanding across the county.”
Anthony Baldock, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Ashford Borough Council, said: "International Day of Older People is a chance to celebrate the people and connections that make Ashford a great place to grow older. As an Age-friendly Community, we are listening to older residents’ voices to help shape a borough where everyone can stay active, connected and valued.”
Age-friendly action in Kent:
- SEVENOAKS - is carrying out an age-friendly community survey. Together with the work of ambassadors, this will help the council gather residents' views on what more can be done to make the borough more welcoming, inclusive and age-friendly. This autumn/winter, there’s also a series of events aimed at giving residents over 55 the chance to try something new, get more active and meet new people. Visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/silversevenoaks to find out more about ‘Silver Sevenoaks’.
- ASHFORD - Ashford's Age-Friendly Community partnership continues to bring local organisations together to support older residents to remain active, connected and as independent as possible. The partnership is also promoting dementia-friendly communities and increasing opportunities for older residents to take part in cultural, learning and volunteering activities across the borough.
- FAVERSHAM - partners recently came together at an Age-Friendly Action Plan Workshop to identify priorities for the future, including practical measures to make the town more accessible.
