Age Friendly Island Best Practice

On Thursday 23^rd March around 80 delegates from a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations came together at the Quay Arts to reflect on, and celebrate, the outstanding results that AgeUK Isle of Wight’s Age Friendly Island project has achieved.

As a National Lottery Community-funded, eight-year project within the Ageing Better Programme, it has led to changes in policy and strategy that have benefited and enhanced the lives older Island residents and challenged cultural attitude. Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England said: ‘I’d like to thank the AgeUK IW team for organising this insightful evening, where they shared ideas on how best to build connections, making services and information as accessible as possible.’

Recognised locally and nationally for its outstanding partnership working, it was acknowledged by National Age Friendly Communities Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, Charlotte Lewis, that in fact the Island’s successful programme is a blueprint for many others around the UK. Charlotte said: ‘I was pleased to be able to present on how the work on the Isle of Wight has had national impact through being shared in the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities.’

Collaboration with Island organisations and businesses, such as the IW Council, Southern Vectis and Island Roads, that have worked hard to embed age-friendly best practices within their daily function, has been key to the success of the project so far and will be for its continuing contribution to the lives of older Island residents. Sharon Betts, Director of Corporate Services at the Isle of Wight Council said: ‘the initiatives the Council has led on to raise awareness of the barriers older people face, and by working collaboratively with other organisations, has improved the lives of older people to live well and lead fulfilling lives.’

Head of Age Friendly and Inclusion, Emma Lincoln, said: ‘the Age Friendly Project has been an outstanding success both locally and nationally. These partners have worked to engage with our mission and shown their commitment to embedding age friendly practices into their day-to-day work and business function. We need organisations to help create a golden, age-friendly thread that runs through all working practices.’

The Lottery funding ends in March 2024 and the work continues. Maria Bunce, Chief Operating Officer at AgeUK IW said: ‘We need to retain and expand connections with Island businesses. At some point we will all need more time or help with day-to-day life. This is about all of us, right now and in the future. This is the legacy we want: to be a truly age friendly Island when future generations need it to be. Collaboration is key and AgeUK IW is reaching out to more organisations to help us achieve this goal.’