10 Mar Fun, fabulous and free activity fair for over 50s in Essex
Older people in Essex are being encouraged to get active and learn a new skill during a week of activities being held across Colchester next week.
Independent Age is partnering with Colchester Borough Council to host the ‘Big Week’ of fun events for older adults in Colchester from 14th to 19th March.
The week will end with a final free all-day festival on Saturday 19th March, providing a showcase of the services and activities available to older people in Essex with more than 20 local organisations set to attend.
Throughout the day, older people will be able to take part in free taster sessions for activities including singing, dance and a theatre session provided by Mercury Theatre.
Over 50s can also join in on a range of sports activities, such as wellness walks and walking football games hosted by Colchester United Football Club. These will be led by experts instructors and are specifically designed to be fun, accessible and safe for older people. Instructors will also be offering introductory sessions into new and unusual activities, such as pickleball, providing a social environment for people to pick up a new hobby. Hot food and cake will be available for all those attending, as well as communal space to chat and meet up with others.
Kate Hardy, Caseworker for Independent Age in Essex, said: “We are really looking forward to showing older people in Essex the variety of activities and services available to them on their doorstep.
“We know many older people have missed out on so much over the last 2 years of the pandemic, and it’s become harder to feel connected with the local community. As we move into a ‘new normal’, this event, as well as the dozens of sessions held across the Big Week, is the perfect opportunity for older adults to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and maybe even try something new!”
The event features stalls, taster sessions, and demonstrations from local organisations, groups and providers from across Colchester. Stalls from organisations including Independent Age, Active Travel, and University of the Third Age (U3A) will be offering older people advice on how to access services and join local initiatives.
Councillor Beverley Oxford, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Colchester Borough Council said: “Many older people have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. We recognise that a large section of our community still feel lonely and excluded. It’s important for us to provide this community with extra help to get them out and about, enjoying life again.”
The free event is open to all and being held at Firstsite, Colchester, winner of Art Fund’s Museum of the Year in 2021. There is no need to book in advance and people can pop in any time between 10.00am – 4.00pm on Saturday 19th March. A full timetable of activities is available here: http://www.colchester.gov.uk/big-week
Independent Age’s community services team in Essex is focussed on connecting people aged 65+ with other people with similar interests and experiences, including locally-based friendship volunteers; activities in their own communities and other local services that can be of help.
