BCP Council and partners are committed to supporting our local older population to thrive, age well and feel part of their communities. BCP Council recruited a dedicated age-friendly coordinator in July 2022 to develop and facilitate a network of age-friendly partners to work together and there are now 80 organisations actively involved in the network.
BCP Adult Social Care team has adopted a strength-based framework focused on fulfilled lives and connected communities using a “3 Conversations model” to engage with older adults by:
1. Listen to what matters most and connect with older residents
2. Work intensively with people who are in crisis
3. Building a good later life.
The area was selected as one of only three areas in the UK to be part of the Housing Association’s Charitable Trust (HACT) two-year Age Friendly Social Housing Programme. Benefiting from a dedicated local project coordinator, who brings together local housing associations and partners to embed age friendly principles and co-ordinate localised action to improve a range of services for over 55s.
We are fortunate to work closely with a strong and vibrant voluntary and community sector, which are innovative and creative at supporting and empowering local communities. There are a breadth of social activities available, many of which are led and delivered by older people. Established local social prescribing services also help to overcome barriers for older people to participate.
The Network celebrates key events to raise awareness of age friendly practices, as well as challenging ageism and stereotypes. It celebrated UN’s International Day of Older Persons with over 20 community activities involving over 500 residents.
The partnership has developed a joint action plan looking at ways to make the area more age-friendly, based on the 8 WHO domains, with particular focus on engaging older adults, social participation and working with local business.