Bristol Charities and LinkAge
Partnering Up to Reach Out
Bristol Charities and LinkAge are thrilled to announce the launch of a new partnership to encourage older people living in Henbury to get out of the house, meet new people, have fun and get involved in local activities.
Bristol Charities has been running a successful day service at the centre in Henbury, but felt there was much more they could do to really involve and engage older people from the local community. “We wanted to give our services for older people a new lease of life,” said Anne Anketell, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities, “that’s where LinkAge came in. We know LinkAge has a track record of delivering excellent community development across Bristol so we’re really looking forward to drawing on their experience and developing a really positive partnership.”
“Working together seemed the natural next step” says Debbie Wills, LinkAge Operations Manager. “We have a nationally recognised and proven model that really inspires older people to take charge of the types of activities they want to see in their community. Whether it’s archery or art, line dancing or tai chi, we hope older people in Henbury and Brentry will seize the opportunity to shape later life in Bristol.”
A new community development worker will be recruited with funding from Bristol Charities. Anne Anketell said “We’re delighted to extend our team to develop the much-needed work Bristol Charities is already doing with older people in our community. We want to see everyone in Henbury and Brentry flourish, and the Community Development Worker will be supporting the local community to develop the opportunities they want, so that their lives and the life of the community will be enriched.”
The partnership project is starting April 2015 and will continue for one year. Older residents, (55+) of Henbury and Brentry are positively encouraged to contact the Community Development Worker on 0117 950 7160 to find out how they can get involved.