Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been accepted by the World Health Organisation into its Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
It allows for an exchange of ideas that helps to create an Age Friendly Community, a place that supports healthy and active ageing, independence and values the contribution of older residents to all aspects of life.
BCP Council and its partners have joined together to create an Age Friendly Network across the area and say they are committed to supporting the local older population to thrive and age well.
A dedicated BCP Council coordinator is in place to develop and facilitate an Age Friendly network of like–minded partners and organisations.
There are now nearly 200 individuals and 90 organisations involved, including businesses and the charity and voluntary sectors, all actively involved in creating and enhancing age friendly communities.
Key members of the Age Friendly Network include Community Action Network (CAN), Prama Life, the grant giving McCarthy Stone Foundation (Chair of the Partnership), Bournemouth University’s Participation In Education and Research (PIER) department, Dorset Health Care and Poole u3a, a local charity that provides the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, pictured, said: “Just under a quarter of our population is aged 65 and over and we recognise that older residents are the foundation of our vibrant communities and neighbourhoods.
“As employees and employers, volunteers and active citizens they bring a lifetime of skills and wealth of experience to neighbourhoods across our three towns.
“I am delighted that we have launched an Age Friendly Ambassador scheme, which aims to engage individuals who are passionate about giving their peers a voice in the community.
“It’s fantastic seeing such great collaborative work going on with local Age Friendly organisations like the Christchurch Community Partnership, Prama, Unity and Vision and the Salvation Army, who have all recently helped organise listening events in local communities, led by Bournemouth University.”
“This is just part of our ongoing and dynamic engagement work with the community and like-minded partners.
The Age Friendly Network in BCP has recently facilitated several initiatives for the older community.
So far £1000 has been given to the Christchurch Community Partnership to help them with their drive to reduce isolation and by creating a new monthly Sunday lunch session.
Winton Salvation Army have also received £1000 to go towards their community café which benefits older adults and the most vulnerable individuals.
The Wardrobe Foundation have been awarded funds to increase the provision of ‘Golden Rails.’ This is an initiative where new clothing is taken into rest homes for women in need, giving them a fresh wardrobe and boost in confidence.
BCP Council works closely with SEDCAT (Southeast Dorset Community Accessible Transport) providing daily affordable and safe transport as well as Morebus who have an age friendly approach to public transport across the region.
Chris Beale, Vice Chair of the the BCP Age Friendly Network said: “Here at Prama we are appreciative of the leadership of BCP Council in achieving Age Friendly status for our local area.
“The Council has taken a partnership approach to this initiative, working with local older adults, communities and voluntary organisations to make this happen.
“This work will benefit everyone, not just older adults, it is about making sure that local services and buildings are accessible to everyone and that we are looking out for each other.
“We are looking forward to further working with BCP Council in ensuring that everyone can enjoy a good life as they age.”