Older Peoples Week 2020

Celebration of Older Peoples Week goes online

The Older Peoples Partnership Hull and East Riding charity are holding a virtual “Celebration of Older Peoples Week” between 28th September and 2nd October as it beats the coronavirus by going online.

Like previous years the charity have worked in partnership with the voluntary sector, community groups as well as statutory and private organisations to put together and support a programme of fun activities, entertainment and information. The big difference is that the event will be delivered predominantly online this year to ensure that people are kept safe and social distancing measures are followed.

The charity have coordinated a week-long programme which will include:

• A programme of interactive activities. Residents can book a place on a variety of that you can sign up to take part in via Eventbrite – http://oppher.eventbrite.com/. Activities includes taster dance and yoga sessions, poetry reminiscence events, crime prevention and scam training sessions, drama and crafting activities, virtual rock pooling and more.
• Pre-recorded entertainment. This will range from local choirs and brass bands to interesting local news features.
• Virtual Market Place. This will provide a platform for local organisation who support older people to promote their services.
• Hull and East Riding 55+ Showcase. People who are aged 55+ are being asked to share videos that showcase their talents such as Dance, Comedy, Poetry, Musical, flower arranging, magician, how to play a ukulele, singing, wood work, model plane building, maintaining a cycle with the charity.

The entertainment, market place and showcase videos will be shared across the charities Facebook and Twitter accounts throughout the week.

Matthew Wright, Trustee said: “This year has been a big challenge for older people as many have had to shield due to health issues or have been increasingly isolated during the pandemic. As trustees we decided that we wanted to go ahead with the annual celebration event and give residents something to enjoy and get involved with. We hope as many people as possible access the programme and show that despite all that Coronavirus has thrown at us, we can still celebrate the contributions that older people are making to our local community and society.

The charity run this annual event to coincide with International Day of Older Persons (Thursday 1st October). It is designed to help celebrate the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and tackle negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes and support issues that affect older people’s lives on a day to day basis.

Anyone older person who has a skill, talent or interest they want to showcase should email their videos to celebration@olderpeoplespartnership.org.uk via mailbigfile.com by Friday 25th September. If you have any questions about submitting a video please email or call 07724 532955.