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Silver Sunday Celebration 2024

 

 

We were delighted to be joined by over 700 people at Middlesex University’s Hendon campus on Sunday 6th October in one of the largest celebrations in the country of Silver Sunday.

It was our second Silver Sunday event in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet and Middlesex University, and we also had 32 information stalls hosted by local organisations and community groups.

The Silver Sunday initiative, now run by the national charity Age UK, aims to celebrate the contributions of older people, promote social connection and tackle loneliness among older people.

Age UK Barnet’s CEO, Helen Newman, who was awarded a Middlesex Medal by the university earlier this year for services to the community, opened the event followed by a welcome speech from Middlesex University vice-chancellor Professor Shân Wareing. Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK and Mayor of Barnet Cllr Tony Vourou also said a few words. Other high-profile visitors from the community included David Pinto-Duschinsky, the MP for Hendon, Cllr Gill Sargeant, Barnet’s Ageing Well Champion and leader of the council Cllr Barry Rawlings.

Fun and engagement
Everyone enjoyed a wide range of free activities. Creative workshops included Indian crafts, creative writing, drawing and dance, while health checks were available from organisations that support health and wellbeing. Visitors could check their blood pressure and enjoy a free 10-minute massages from a student at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM).

Staying connected and informed

Our advice team lead a session on scams awareness and there was also a session on wills, power of attorney and probate from local solicitors Fahri LLP.

Talks included science-backed sleep better strategies from Professor Catherine Loveday and Professor Kurt Barling, an award winning investigative journalist, on bringing communities together and tackling racism.

Author Charlotte Osho and her daughter actress and comedian Andi Osho spoke about Charlotte’s recently-published memoir The Jagged Path, which explores her journey to happiness after leaving Nigeria and an abusive marriage. If you missed Charlotte’s moving talk, you can catch her at our Black History Celebration with Levi Roots on Monday 24 October at the Ann Owens Centre in East Finchley. All details in our What’s On guide here.

Showtime!

Performances and workshops were provided by a wide range of community groups including the North London Rock Choir, Barnet Ukulele Group, and Dare2Dance, as well as a seated-yoga taster session and sessions in Bollywood dance and ballet barre exercises.

Positive feedback

We’ve been delighted by the warm and enthusiastic feedback from those who attended. One guest shared, 'I loved every minute of it,' while another said, ‘I met some lovely people, learned new things, and even had a dance. A perfect day!' Age UK Barnet CEO Helen Newman remarked, ‘We are truly grateful for the positive feedback we’ve received—it’s a testament to how meaningful these moments are for everyone involved. Events like our Silver Sunday celebration bring people together, foster connections, and create a true sense of community. It was wonderful to see over 700 people join us for a day filled with joy, learning, and connection.’

 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

  • Thank you to our Age-friendly coordinator Pippa Mannerings who pulled the whole event together. If you would like to join her band of age-friendly champions, who support her work helping to make the borough even better to get older in, then please get in touch with her on agefriendly@ageukbarnet.org.uk

 

  • Thank you to our sponsors

Our main sponsor Barnet Grange – Avery Care Home

Plus our other sponsors Medequip Connect, Your Choice Barnet, Fahri LLP, Home Instead Barnet, Signature at Hendon

  • Thank you to Middlesex University for hosting so brilliantly, and to our partners Barnet Council and Age UK.
  • Thank you to Age-friendly champions and volunteers who supported our event and other events throughout the year.
  • Thank you to the speakers, performers and community groups who helped make this event such a success.

 

Silver Sunday Photo Gallery