Virtual festival to celebrate older people in Central Bedfordshire and the contribution they make to society

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HWCB) is hosting the Festival for Older People (FOP) during the week Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2. The festival is now in its ninth year, and this year it will be delivered via virtual recordings, live streams and by dial-in calls - a first for many!

HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, will open the event with messages of support.

During the week, HWCB will be holding a two-hour virtual session each day that everyone can dip in and out of, with videos from many statutory and voluntary organisations, and local groups offering advice and information about what health, social care and housing services are available locally, and how to access them.

Mrs Nellis said: “Let’s remember that older people carry the collective wisdom of our societies. They are valued and valuable members of our families and communities. We must hear the voice of older people and those who work with and for them, to identify how best they can be supported.”

HWCB will be hosting a live Zoom event on Friday, October 2, 10am to 12 noon, where local residents will have the chance to raise any questions and discuss experiences with a wide range of organisations.

There will also be lots of entertainment, including a sing-a-long with one of the Young Healthwatch volunteers, who will be playing her guitar; Mobility Physio will be taking participants through some gentle exercises, for all abilities; a quiz and much, much more.

Care home residents who wish to join in with the virtual festival will receive a celebratory cake from HWCB.

For more information about the event contact Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire by email at [email protected], or call on 0300 303 8554. Visit the website https://healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk/news/festival-for-older-people-2020