Local Age UK launches 65th birthday celebrations with roadshow around West Sussex, Brighton & Hove

This Summer, Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (WSBH) is celebrating its birthday after 65 years of supporting older people in our area. Staff and volunteers are touring Sussex in a beautiful vintage bus and asking the public to join in the celebrations. The roadshow kicked off last week during the Age UK WSBH staff conference at the Amex Stadium and on Hove Lawns during the Paddle Round the Pier Festival.

The Brighton Regency Routemaster has become the Age UK Birthday Bus, and will be stopping off at a number of locations, offering birthday treats and fizz to those who want to join in the fun. There are giant birthday cards to sign, a selfie stand, competitions and of course, cake!

Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK WSBH said “I am so proud of this charity and the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of older people every single day. We wanted to celebrate turning 65 by getting out in the community, so we’re hitting the road and making our birthday last. The cake is on us, so if you see our stand or the birthday bus out and about, please come and say hello and find out a bit more about what we do. Here’s to the next 65 years of making a difference locally!”

Age UK WSBH offers a wide range of services and activities for over 50s in the area. From supporting the most vulnerable with dementia, befriending, home from hospital and help at home services, to information and advice, benefits support and social groups – everything from pole fitness to painting. The charity aims to help people love later life and offers those who are lonely somewhere to turn.

Age UK WSBH will be attending the following events, either with the birthday stand or the Routemaster Birthday Bus (bus events are in bold). To find out more about the events, or for date and time confirmation of those later in the year, please visit www.ageukwsbh.org.uk - the website will be kept up to date with all the latest information. Alternatively, the freephone number is 0800 019 1310.

Age UK WSBH 65th Birthday Events

· 11-15 July - Volunteer Thank You days (various locations)

· 19 July - Birthday Party, Age UK WSBH, Lamb House, Haywards Heath

· 30 July - Lamb House Summer Fair, Haywards Heath

· 06 August - Pride, Brighton

· September (date tbc) - Kings Weald Community Day, Burgess Hill

· 01 October - Older People's Day

· November/December (date tbc) - Birthday Party, Chichester