International Day of Older People

Last week 120 guests from the South West of the City were invited to Tapton Hall to celebrate the South West People Keeping Well and International Day of Older People, facilitated and funded by Age UK Sheffield, People Keeping Well, Sheffield City Council and the Partners of the South West PKW network.

Joanna Woodward, Community Development Officer for Age UK Sheffield who leads on PKW in the south west of Sheffield said "This event was a fantastic showcase of what can be achieved when a network of local organisations come together to improve the lives of people living in the community and encourage people to get involved in volunteering.  Over the last 6 years the People Keeping Well network has worked together to help prevent loneliness and social isolation. The Partnership has grown from 12 original partners to in excess of 60 and increased activity provision to accommodate over 100 people per month, giving them the opportunity to try something new, build relationships and support networks outside of the home.  We hope to host many more events of this type and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event the success that it was".

Kathy Markwick, Freelance Community Consultant added "The event was a huge success and we were all delighted that the new Master Cutler, Charles Turner, could join us as a special guest.  Guests were treated to a delicious Afternoon Tea and an awesome performance by musician/vocalist, Oliver Harris.  Thirty children from Westbourne School also joined us - their choir was amazing and the soloists/musicians' performances were both spine-tingling and tear jerking.  Intergenerational events are wonderful as everyone has so much to gain."

The new Master Cutler said “Whilst being the Master Cutler is about promoting the manufacturing industry in Sheffield, Hallamshire and South Yorkshire there is also a strong civic element to what we do – after all manufacturing relies on the skills of the workforce from this region.  As such it was a delight to join in with the International day of Older People celebration at Tapton Hall, organised by Age UK Sheffield and Sheffield City Council.  It was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the generation that has done so much for the City.” 

Chris Hattam, the Headmaster of Westbourne School added, “it was a joy and a privilege to be able to join the event organised by Age UK Sheffield, People Keeping Well and Sheffield City Council.  As a school we place great emphasis on the value of community and having the confidence to interact with all we meet. Our pupils loved the event with one stating "It is the best day of my life!"" I have no doubt that our children gained as much from joining the party as everyone else there, probably even more so when they were chatting to the assembled party goers. I would thoroughly encourage every Head to help support events like this as it was a mutually beneficial experience."

You can find the activities timetable and how to get in touch with your local PKW events here.