A host of great, free events are taking place across Nottingham in the coming days for International Older People’s Day 2016.
They have been organised by Age Friendly Nottingham and partners to mark the global day of celebration being held on Saturday (1 October).
Those who enjoy the flavours of multi-cultural food are invited along to World On A Plate at the Council House on Thursday (29 September) from 11am until 1.30pm. To honour the diversity of the City’s older generation, visitors will be able sample food from around the world, share recipes and stories.
There will also be a chance to play games and take part in activities which people might not have enjoyed for a while.
Places are limited and booking for this event is essential. Call 0115 876 3513 for more details or email healthandwellbeing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
On Saturday (1 October), older citizens are invited to a free coffee morning to mark the launch of Take A Seat in the city centre. This will be held between 10.30am and noon at the Nottingham Building Society, in Upper Parliament Street.
The Take A Seat initiative, organised by Age Friendly Nottingham, sees businesses and community organisations pledge to offer areas in their shops or premises where older people can take a rest and catch their breath. The idea is that this helps them retain their independence and makes their shopping experience more enjoyable.
One such venue which has recently signed up is the café at Oak Field School and Sports College, in Wigman Road, Bilborough. To celebrate Older People’s Day, free drinks are being offered to older citizens who drop in on either today (28), Thursday (29) or Friday (30).
Any business or organisation interested in joining the scheme should email clare.routledge@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Other events taking place over the next few days are:
• Celebration and Workshop events – find out what’s on offer in Bulwell and Bilborough: Bulwell Riverside 9.30am to 12.30pm, and Bilborough Library and Community Centre 2pm to 4pm (both Thursday 29)
• Age Friendly Dancing – watch a variety of dancers including belly dancing, samba, Flamenco and tap – Saturday (1 October), Spiegel Tent, Old Market Square, 2pm to 4pm
• Tea dances organised by Nottingham City Homes – Selhurst Court, Hyson Green, Tuesday 4 October, 2pm until 4pm, and at Curzon Court, St Ann’s, from 12.45pm to 2.45pm on Wednesday 5 October
• Live music with Jeanie Barton and the Bo-Hop Trio – Strome Court, The Meadows, Monday 3 October, 2pm to 4pm; Rona Court, Bulwell, Thursday 6 October, 2pm to 4pm; and Stanwick Court, Bilborough, Friday 7 October, 2pm to 4pm
• Find out more about Home Safety – the Supportnet group are running an event in Bilborough Library, 10am until noon, on Tuesday 4 October
Councillor Eunice Campbell, Age Friendly Nottingham champion, said: “It’s vital that we help older people stay independent and get out into their local communities. I’m particularly delighted that so many businesses want to be a part of our Take A Seat campaign and I want to thank them as this really does make a difference to the lives of people and helps to reduce loneliness.
“I hope lots of people take advantage of the many free events taking place over the next few days as part of International Older People’s Day.”
Taking care of older people and reducing social isolation is a core theme of the Looking After Each Other campaign, which is being run by Nottingham City Council and partners over the autumn and winter.
Councillor Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for Nottingham to show its older citizens how important they are and how much we value them.
“It’s really important that we support older people, help enrich their lives and enable them to maintain their independence. International Older People’s Day is a great way to celebrate the role they play in Nottingham life.”
For more information on any of the events, call Age Friendly Nottingham on 0115 876 3513.