Live Longer Better Network News – Issue No.8 September 2024
Introduction
Thank you for signing up to our network news. We hope you’ve had a lovely summer and enjoyed getting active in the August sunshine.
The 8th edition is packed with interesting articles, events and local activities. The network promotes physical, cognitive and emotional activity for the over 55’s and aims to increase people’s wellbeing and healthy lifespan.
Please share the Network News with your colleagues, partners and other organisations. They can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive future editions of the network news straight to their inbox.
Club and Community Forum Roadshows
Active Kent & Medway is hosting three Club and Community Forum Roadshows in 2024/25. The roadshows are a great opportunity for community organisations, local sports clubs and activity providers to network and find out about the support that is available around a number of key topics including workforce and volunteering, tackling inequalities and increasing participation, and funding.
- Friday 20 Sept 2024 in Folkestone, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Wednesday 13 Nov 2024 in Medway, 9.30am – 11.30am
- Monday 27 Jan 2025 in Canterbury, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Follow this link for more information and to book the Roadshows
Active Kent & Medway Conference 2024
Active Kent & Medway’s 2024 Conference is on Wednesday 16 October 2024, 9:30 – 15:30 at the Kent Event Centre, Detling, ME14 3JF. The theme of this year’s conference is: ‘Move Together – promote equality, value diversity, support inclusion’.
We are delighted to announce that Donna Fraser OBE is our keynote speaker. Donna is a 4x Olympian and former 400m sprinter for Great Britain. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2021 for services to equality, inclusion and diversity in the workplace. You will hear from representatives across the sport, physical activity, and health sectors as they take part in a Q&A session. There will also be a choice of ‘bite-sized briefings’ on relevant topics, as well as the opportunity to network with other delegates.
Training Opportunity
Inclusive Language and Communications Event
Join Sport & Recreation Alliance for an online roundtable session to promote inclusive language and communication in sports.
Wednesday 25 September 2024, 12:00 – 13:15 via Zoom
The session will teach you the power of words, practical strategies for inclusivity, and techniques to overcome unconscious bias. Enhance team cohesion, promote equality, and develop valuable communication skills. Ideal for anyone involved in sports at any level, this roundtable session is your opportunity to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all.
'Millions more moving' Report
Richmond Group of Charities launched a new report ‘Millions more moving’, exploring how we can tackle inactivity by supporting people with long-term conditions to move more.
‘Millions more moving’ builds on the public consultation undertaken for We Are Undefeatable, which heard from over 2,200 people with long-term conditions and those who support them. Based on these insights and more, Richmond Group of Charities are calling for three shifts that will create the conditions to get millions more moving:
- Ensuring leadership and accountability
- Embedding movement in healthcare
- Encouraging movement in everyday life.
Follow this link for to view the full report (downloadable PDF)
Opportunities to be Active
Walking Tennis
Age UK has partnered with the LTA Tennis Foundation to encourage older people to get more active and join Walking Tennis groups in communities across the country.
Age UK South Kent Coast branch is offering walking tennis in Folkestone and Dover. More details about how to play walking tennis, together with dates, times and venues can be found in their August Newsletter.
Follow this link to view their August Newsletter (downloadable PDF)
Spadework
Spadework is a charity based in Offham, near West Malling, enabling people to be more independent, feel less isolated and live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. They provide services for adults with learning and other disabilities, people experiencing mental health problems and those living with dementia.
They offer a full programme of Care Services including walking groups, woodwork, sewing, book groups and gardening. They are keen for volunteers to get involved in lots of different activities. Spadework also has a cafe, garden centre, farm and gift shop. If that’s not enough, their PYO Pumpkin garden opens in October!
Silver Sunday
Age UK’s Silver Sunday is on Sunday 6 October. This is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people.
It is a great opportunity for older people to meet others, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local community. Take a look at the dedicated website to find out more, download a toolkit, and to register an event or share photos.
Active At Home
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has produced a simple set of exercises designed to build strength and balance. All you need is a sturdy chair, sensible shoes and a few spare minutes each day!
National Wellbeing Campaigns
World Suicide Prevention Day: 10 September 2024
Find out about World Suicide Prevention Day
National Fitness Day: 18 September 2024
Find out about National Fitness Day
World Alzheimer’s Day: 21 September 2024
Find out about World Alzheimer’s Day
UK National Inclusion Week: 23 – 29 September 2024
Find out about National Inclusion Week
Great British Beach Clean: 20 – 29 September 2024
Find out about Great British Beach Clean
Stoptober to Quit Smoking Month: October 2024
Find out about Quit Smoking Support
National Cholesterol Month: October 2024
Find out about National Cholesterol Month
Silver Sunday: 6 October 2024
National Work Life Week: 7 – 11 October 2024
Find out about National Work Life Week
World Mental Health Day: 10 October 2024
Find out about World Mental Health Day
World Menopause Awareness Day: 18 October 2024
Find out about World Menopause Day
World Osteoporosis Day: 20 October 2024
Other News
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you
If there’s anything in our network news you’d like to discuss further, please contact Michelle Bird, our Health & Wellbeing Officer via email: michelle.bird@kent.gov.uk.