TO COINCIDE with International Day for Older People on 1 October 2024, Cumberland Council has announced the formation of a dedicated Age Friendly Board to support its services for residents aged 50 and over. This important initiative marks a key step in the council's efforts to create an Age Friendly Cumberland, a place where older people can live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.
Underpinning the board are two newly established Age Friendly Partnership Groups—one serving Carlisle and the other serving south and west Cumberland. These groups will work closely with the Age Friendly Board to drive forward initiatives and actions that promote inclusivity and support for older residents.
The council encourages anyone interested in contributing to these efforts to join the partnership groups by emailing Joanna Coleman, Public Health Manager at joanna.coleman@cumberland.gov.uk.
Funding from the council’s Community Panels is also being provided to support Age UK in its efforts to recruit volunteers as Age Friendly Ambassadors. These volunteers will play a vital role in strengthening the voice of older people across our community panel areas. By engaging directly with local communities, the Age Friendly Ambassadors will ensure that older residents are actively involved in shaping the services that matter to them.
To further raise awareness and support for age-friendly initiatives, on 1 October Age UK will be hosting a pop-up event at The Lanes, Carlisle. The event will focus on advice, giveaways and arts and crafts, with an opportunity to speak to benefits advisors and others about winter warmth.
The council and Age UK are also highlighting the importance of organisations becoming age-friendly employers and businesses, promoting practices that welcome and support older employees and customers alike. As the population ages, it is increasingly vital for businesses and organisations to adopt age-friendly practices that meet the needs of older employees and customers. A number of businesses, organisations and community centres have already signed up to the scheme and the council is keen for others to join them.
Becoming an age-friendly employer involves recognising the unique strengths and challenges that older workers bring to the workplace.
Organisations are therefore encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements, training and development opportunities, and supportive policies that allow older employees to remain in the workforce for as long as they wish. By doing so, businesses can harness the experience, expertise, and loyalty of older workers, fostering a more diverse and resilient workforce.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health and Communities at Cumberland Council, said: “Locally and nationally we have an aging population and at Cumberland Council we want people to have fulfilling and active lives for as long as possible. That’s why we have adopted this commitment to be an Age Friendly Employer and advocate for others to follow our lead as well as set up these initiatives with our partners.”
In addition to supporting older employees, businesses can also benefit by becoming age-friendly to their customers. Age-friendly businesses prioritise accessibility, with clear signage, accessible facilities, and customer service that is sensitive to the needs of older patrons. These businesses not only contribute to the well-being of older individuals but also open themselves up to a growing market of older consumers who value organisations that understand and cater to their needs.
Cumberland Council remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where people can thrive regardless of age. The council invites residents, organisations, and businesses across the region to join it in celebrating the International Day for Older People by supporting these initiatives and helping to build a stronger, more age-friendly community for everyone.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Joanna Coleman at joanna.coleman@cumberland.gov.uk.
