This year's Ageing Well Festival took place from 19th September to the 3rd October all across the city.
TDC were involved running events at HAWKS cafe, Albion Community Garden and The Manor, focussing on intergenerational projects around the festival's theme of Challenging Ageism. Including a discussion with young people and older people over 50, Challenging Ageism -- Younger and Older.
TDC's new Equalities Co-ordinator Hannah Sherman visited the Older and Bolder event at The Manor. She said:
People were invited to come along to this wonderful community space and see what It has to offer. Everybody had a wonderful time doing yoga, arts & crafts, and had a go at something new, Swoove! We whooped, danced and sang our hearts out ; one person said: “See the smiles on their faces? Absolutely brilliant!”
Neighbourhoods Director Kirsty Walker said:
I was lucky enough to join a Holding Back the Years session where a fun time was had by all with young and older women sharing a cuppa and their experiences from music they like and what they do to stay grounded to things they worry about. There were lots in common – everyone liked a dance! And we all had a good laugh. To quote one of the younger girls – ‘who knew old people can be funny!’
Community Development Support Worker Cal Chester and Project Support Worker Anita Doherty also supported 'Holding Back The Years' at HAWKS Cafe,
Cal said:
We supported two lovely sociable and events, where older people were able to share their positive approaches to health and wellbeing.
As well as shared food, a relaxation session and even a raffle we facilitated a discussion of ' What brings us joy? How we can address our health and wellbeing as we age ? How do we support one another?' We received many, many positive suggestions, with one participant responding that we could address these concerns via "meeting and supporting one another at events like these "
Cal was also part of Sensory Overload , hosted by Albion Life at Albion Community Garden, bringing together a group of keen older gardeners who shared tea and cake, discussed herbalism and investigated what was growing in the amazing community garden -- build up over the last four years.
Attendees were given a tour by volunteers of the range of growing projects undertaken by the residents around Albion Hill. One attendee commented:
I had no idea there was this amazing space in central Brighton.
We were delighted to play our role in making Ageing Well Festival 2022 another great success.
Younger and Older -- Challenging Ageism
What is Something You Liked About Today?
- Playing the games
- Lemon cake
- Talking to you lot
- Cake
- Meeting new people
- Socialising with all ages is fun!
- I liked the mixture of ages
- Old people are funnier than I thought
- I like communicating and having a laugh together
- Good to be with young people