More than 70 people from across the voluntary and community sector attended last week’s Stakeholder Conversation on Age-friendly Communities.
Two thirds of those attending signed declarations expressing an interest to be kept in touch with developments around Age-friendly Dorset, which became the 100th Age-friendly Community in the UK in October.
Councillor Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Adult Social Care portfolio member, spoke of how building a Dorset for older people benefitted all generations, creating a Dorset for the future.
Councillor Robinson highlighted how Dorset has a substantial number of people, over 50%, who are over 50 years old, vastly different from the demographics in other areas such as Peterborough or Manchester: “We have a unique demographic and need to celebrate our older population. It’s not good enough to just copy good practice in other areas. We need to take the lead in defining what good practice looks like – for others to follow.”
“We need to provide opportunities for people of all ages so that they can enjoy dignity – dignity in childhood, mid-life and in later life; to be included, feel listened to, valued and respected so they – we all- can control things that happen to us.”
The event heard that the Age-friendly Dorset survey has so far attracted more than 400 responses, and will remain open until the end of January 2026.
The survey will help inform both the Age-friendly reference and working groups, which in turn will feed into the Thriving Communities steering group and Health and Wellbeing Board.
Michelle Rayner, Community Engagement Office at Volunteer Centre Dorset, talked about the two-year Thriving Communities programme, which is initially being rolled out in Purbeck, North Dorset and Weymouth.
Ms Rayner said that 30% of Dorset’s population was over 65 and this figure was set to grow. But at the same time, the county has a thriving volunteer network. The programme, which includes a small grant package, is designed to give small groups the tools, learning and confidence to become more sustainable, helping people stay happy, healthy and independent in their own communities.
“We’re thrilled to lead the Thriving Communities programme, working hand-in-hand with communities to strengthen what is already working well and to develop activities, services and support that they say they want and need. This ground up approach will ensure local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) voice are heard, empowering them to influence funding voluntary and community support that truly works for their community,” she added.
There were three projects showcases at the event at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester:
- Damian Cranny from Dorset Police spoke about Fraud Protect and the types of fraud affecting isolated and vulnerable people
- Lucy Savage from Dorset Council talked about Dorset Health Walks and how green spaces can support health and wellbeing
- Joyce Spiller highlighted the work of the Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, the family hubs run by the voluntary sector and the Wareham Not So Youth club which enables people to meet in a youth club setting to play table tennis, pool and scrabble.
To find out more about the survey go to https://consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/adults/age-friendly-dorset-2025/
Further information about Age-friendly Dorset can be sourced from Sarah Parsons, Ageing Well lead – [email protected] or https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/age-friendly-dorset
Original article source Dorset Council website >> Building a society fit for the future – Age-friendly Dorset – Dorset Council