Showcasing services to help you live well in later life

RESIDENTS aged 50 and over came together at a community event in Stalybridge to find out about the support and activities available on their doorstep.

The "What's On Your Doorstep?" event was held at Stalybridge Civic Hall as part of this year's International Day of Older People celebrations.

Organised by Jigsaw Support, with support from Tameside Council, the event brought together local organisations, support services and residents for an afternoon of information, activities and socialising.

Visitors had the chance to speak to a range of organisations offering support to older people, helping them learn about local opportunities, stay connected and reduce loneliness.

Services and organisations attended included Tameside Carers Centre, WorkWell Tameside, Age UK, PC Refurb, Older Persons Network, Ridgehill Together, Active Tameside and Men in Sheds. Entertainment was provided by Tameside Music Service and pupils from St Paul's CE Primary School.

The event forms part of the Live Well in Later Life (LWILL) programme, which supports people aged over 50 living in Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Ridge Hill. Led by Jigsaw Support working with Tameside Council, the programme aims to help older residents stay healthy, active and connected as they get older.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, Councillor Jackie Lane, said: ‘’I was really pleased to join this event to mark the International Day of Older People. It was fantastic to see firsthand how people connected and the variety of support services people could talk to.

‘’It’s so important that we listen and work with the people who live in our communities so we know exactly what living well in later life means to them. If you’re over 50 and live in Stalybridge or Dukinfield, please do get involved with the Live Well in Later Life initiative your views are invaluable.’’

Phil Brooke, Community Engagement Worker for Jigsaw Support said:

“This year’s International Day of Older People theme of finding out ‘what’s on your doorstep’ was an excellent fit for our programme.  We had a wide range of services and organisations at the event, and it was really well received by our attendees.”

One local resident said: “My husband passed away not long ago and since then I’ve been lonely.  I came to find out about things I can get involved in.  It’s been nice to talk to different people and find out what’s available.”

Donna Kelly, Group Director of Support and Neighbourhoods at Jigsaw Homes Group said:

“Our Live Well in Later Life project is aimed at creating opportunities for people to stay connected, active and independent as they get older. This event gave us the chance to connect with local people, community groups and organisations and help us build stronger, more age-friendly communities where everyone can live well in later life.”

The LWILL initiative supports Tameside Council’s plan 2026-2030 to increase engagement with communities and deliver the Live Well vision, bringing everyday support close to where people live.

Find out more about LWILL and how to get involved at https://support.jigsawhomes.org.uk/information-article/live-well-in-later-life