READING Borough Council is inviting residents to a free event to celebrate older people, being held on the internationally recognised Older People’s Day 2025.
On October 1, a multitude of stalls will be welcomed to the ground and first floor of the Broad Street Mall with specialist advice and support aimed at older people, their families and friends.
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.
As well as information, there will be opportunities to take part in dance and exercise with performances from Tilehurst Square Dance Club, Dunsden Green Country Dance Club, the council’s leisure providers Better, and listen to the Age UK Berkshire choir.
The event will also host a Community Wellness Outreach team offering free NHS Health Checks, Citizens Advice Reading, Age UK Berkshire, and ‘Ask Your Councillor’ stalls throughout the whole event.
nternational Day of Older Persons is observed annually on 1 October. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the resilience and contributions of older individuals in our communities.
This year the global theme is inclusive aging.
Councillor Paul Gittings, the Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care and chair of Reading’s Older People’s Working Group, said: “This event is getting bigger and bigger, and this year over 30 organisations are joining us to support you.
“It shows how important older people are to our communities and what advice and assistance is out there from community organisations and charities.
“Come along and see what there is to offer, stay to watch our local dance and singing groups or maybe get involved.
“Thanks to the Older People’s Working group for doing such a good job of organising the event, every organisation coming, and Broad Street Mall for hosting.”
Reading’s Older People’s Day takes place between 9.30am and 2pm at Broad Street Mall on Wednesday, October 1.
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.
