International Day of Older People takes place on Wednesday 1st October this year, and to celebrate Knowsley Older People’s Voice and partners have worked together to introduce Knowsley’s first Ageing Well Festival.
Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.
This year’s theme is Building Belonging: Celebrating the power of our social connections.
We want to celebrate the vital role that social connections can play in our lives; from a quick hello on the street to deep and supportive relationships that are built over time. The communities we live in shape our ability to connect – and in turn, the connections that we make help shape our local environment.
We know that older people play an integral part in strengthening the social fabric of our communities; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and connectors. Their contributions are vital in fostering a strong sense of belonging across generations. The mix of people, experiences, and everyday interactions that keep us happy and involved in our communities is essential to our wellbeing at every age.
As we get older, staying connected remains just as important. Ageing doesn’t stop us from forming or keeping relationships, but certain aspects of later life, like retirement or changing health, can bring both new possibilities and new challenges.
For Knowsley’s first Ageing Well festival, we have put together a calendar of events that are taking place from Thursday 18 September, up to Wednesday 1 October. Some of these events have been put on especially to celebrate the day or are already happening in Knowsley to bring people together. We’re encouraging people across Knowsley to try something new and get involved in the activities Knowsley has to offer to keep us socialising as we age.
For more information about any of the activities below, or if you would like to know about other activities in Knowsley, please call Knowsley Older People’s Voice (Healthwatch Knowsley) on 0151 449 3954.
Thursday 18 September
Falls Event
To celebrate Falls Prevention Week, Knowsley Council and its partners have organised a drop-in event for residents on Thursday 18 September. The event, which will take place at Volair Huyton on Thursday 18 September from 10am to 2pm, is open to all members of the public but especially those aged 50 plus, with the aim of providing and advice and support to prevent falls and fear of falling in Knowsley. Health Professionals and partners are also welcome to learn about local Falls services and support.
Attendees will be able to take part in a number of talks and demos throughout the four-hour event, including:
10.30am Safe & Steady exercise demonstration from Everton in the Community
12.30pm ‘Falls risks at home’ talk with Falls & Manual Handling Coordinator
1pm Nordic Walking demonstration with Green Space Rangers (dependent on weather)
Please note participation is on a first come, first serve basis and times may be subject to change.
Knowsley Parks
Huyton Nordic Walking programme at Court Hey Park – Courtyard, L16 3NA from 10.30am
Monday 22 September
KOPV & Livv Roadshow
Knowsley Older People’s Voice have partnered with Livv Housing to deliver a mini version of their roadshows. Taking place 12:30pm-2:30pm at The Watch Factory, Albany Road speakers include Environmental Health, Care and Repair and Knowsley Recycling team. Open to all Knowsley residents, feel free to drop in.
Knowsley Parks
- Kirkby Intermediate Health Walk, meet outside Kirkby Gallery, L32 8XY, for 10am
- Halewood Beginners Health Walk, meet at the Environment Centre, Okell Drive, L26 7XB, for 10am
- Huyton Beginners Health Walk, meet at Court Hey Park Car Park, L16 3NA, for 11am
Tuesday 23 September
Low Impact Exercise, New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre, 1:30-2:15
Knowsley Parks
- Prescot/Whiston/Cronton Beginners Health Walk, meet at the Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, L32 3RG, from 12.30pm
- Halewood Advanced Walking Group, meet at the Environment Centre, Okell Drive, L26 7XB, for 12.30pm (these walks incur a small charge depending on location and are frequently in different locations across the North-West)
- Halewood Nordic Walking programme, meet in the Environment Centre Car Park, L26 7XB, from 10.30am
Wednesday 24 September
Big Bike Revival, Bowring Park
- 11am-1pm – free bike repair and service
- 1pm-3pm – guided bike rides around Huyton
Knowsley Parks
- Kirkby Beginners Health Walk meet outside Kirkby Gallery, L32 8XY, for 10am
- Prescot Beginners Health Walk, meet at Eaton Street entrance, L34 6HD, from 10.30am
Evolving Mindset
Well-being Wednesday with Evolving Mindset, 10 Vicarage Place, L34 1LA – 11.30am – 2.30pm. Anyone is free to attend, where we put on free hot and cold food and drinks, play bingo, quizzes and people can chat!
Thursday 25 September
Knowsley Parks
- Prescot/Whiston/Cronton Advanced Walk, meet at the Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, L32 3RG, from 11am
- Huyton Nordic Walking programme at Court Hey Park – Courtyard, L16 3NA from 10.30am
Friday 26 September
- Macmillan Coffee Morning, 10am-12pm, Centre 63, Kirkby
- Friday Friends, 12pm-2pm the Old School House, Huyton
Monday 29 September
KOPV & Livv Roadshow
Knowsley Older People’s Voice have partnered with Livv Housing to deliver a mini version of their roadshows. Taking place 10am-12pm at Crawford Gardens, Alamein Road speakers include Merseyside Police and Knowsley Recycling team. Open to all Knowsley residents, feel free to drop in.
Knowsley Parks
- Kirkby Intermediate Health Walk, meet outside Kirkby Gallery, L32 8XY, for 10am
- Halewood Beginners Health Walk, meet at the Environment Centre, Okell Drive, L26 7XB, for 10am
- Huyton Beginners Health Walk, meet at Court Hey Park Car Park, L16 3NA, for 11am
Tuesday 30 September
- Diddi Dance provide funky dance classes for toddlers and pre-school children, and we are working with them to have an Intergenerational Diddi Dance! The session will take place 10am-10:45am. Booking is essential, please call 0151 449 3954 to book a place.
- Low Impact Exercise, New Hutte Neighbourhood Centre, 1:30pm-2:15pm
Knowsley Parks
- Prescot/Whiston/Cronton Beginners Health Walk, meet at the Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, L32 3RG, from 12.30pm
- Halewood Advanced Walking Group, meet at the Environment Centre, Okell Drive, L26 7XB, for 12.30pm (these walks incur a small charge depending on location and are frequently in different locations across the North-West)
- Halewood Nordic Walking programme, meet in the Environment Centre Car Park, L26 7XB, from 10.30am
Wednesday 1 October
Knowsley Older People’s Voice in partnership with Shakespeare North Playhouse, invite you to come and celebrate International Day of Older People (IDOP). There will be two activities taking place 11am-2pm.
An International Day of Older People Celebration Event
We are hosting a celebration event, 11am-2pm with a range of taster sessions from local services and lunch included for over 55’s. Booking is essential with limited spaces, so please contact Knowsley Older People’s Voice on 0151 449 3954 to book your slot. Transport is available upon request.
An Ageing Well Marketplace and Shakespeare North’s Chatty Cafe
Chatter & Natter is a weekly meet-up at Shakespeare North to have a chat – a space for people to talk whether it’s for five minutes while you have a brew, or an hour of good conversation. Simple interactions to combat loneliness and to (maybe) have a positive impact on someone’s day.
Every Wednesday & Saturdays from 11am-1pm.
The Ageing Well marketplace, 11am-2pm, will have a small selection or organisations who can support you with finding social activities in Knowsley. The Living Well Bus will be available around the corner on Eccleston Street for the first day of flu jabs!
Knowsley Parks
- Kirkby Beginners Health Walk meet outside Kirkby Gallery, L32 8XY, for 10am
- Prescot Beginners Health Walk, meet at Eaton Street entrance, L34 6HD, from 10.30am
Heart of Glass presents The Posh Club
Back by popular demand – now in Kirkby and St Helens! A glittering posh knees-up for swanky seniors and elegant elders. Featuring dazzling live performances, afternoon tea served by waiters in black tie, singing, dancing and laughs. For people aged 60+ and friends/carers. Two events are taking place in/near Knowsley –
- Tuesday 7th October, 12pm-3pm at Quarry Green Club, Daleside Road, Kirkby, L33 8XS
- Thursday 9th October, 12pm-3pm at St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square WA10 1HP
You can buy your ticket for £4 (food and drink included)
Call 07349 261 500 (Monday and Friday 9am-12pm) or visit heartofglass.org.uk/posh-club