RESIDENTS in Reading are being invited to take part in an event for Older Persons’ Day next week.
On Thursday, October 1, Broad Street Mall will host an event to help older people with health, support, and activities.
Attendees will have access to a wide range of useful advice, including how to keep bills down this winter, as well as benefit and pension credit advice from the experts.
NHS Covid, flu and RSV vaccines are available on the day for eligible residents, and there’s even the chance to take part in specialist dance and exercise activities.
Citizens Advice Reading and Age UK Berkshire offering benefit and pension credit advice and the Council’s Housing and Energy Support Team on hand to provide help and advice about how to heat your home most affordably this winter.
There will also be opportunities to take part in in dance and exercise with CultureMix, Dunsden Green Country Dance Club and Get Berkshire Active, as well as performances from the Age UK Berkshire Choir.
There will be over 30 stalls on the ground and first floor of the Broad Street Mall with specialist advice and support aimed at older people, their families and friends.
Organisations attending include Berkshire Vision, the Alzheimer’s Society, Royal Berkshire Hospital and Get Berkshire Active.
There will also be demonstrations from the Robotics team from University of Reading and the Council’s Adult Social Care TEC team.
The event has been organised by Reading’s Older People’s Working Group, supported by Reading Borough Council, Age UK Berkshire and Age UK Reading.
Reading’s Older People’s Working Group is made up of older people and organisations who work to support residents throughout the borough.
Issues are raised and explored at the quarterly meetings, giving older people a voice.
Glenn Dennis, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: “Everyone is welcome to come along to this great annual event which always proves popular amongst the Reading community.
“There really is something for everyone, whether it’s advice on keeping bills down in the cold weather, important vaccines ahead of the winter period and even a chance to try out a dance or exercise class.”
He explained: “All are welcome, regardless of age, to enjoy the demonstrations and performances, and older residents can get some really useful help and information to help them live a healthy
“Older people are a vital part of our communities, and we have over 30 organisations coming along on the day to support them and demonstrate what advice and assistance is out there from community organisations and charities.
“Thanks to the Older People’s Working group for doing such a good job of organising the event and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 1.”
