A beacon of advocacy and community empowerment for older people in Newcastle since 2007. Founded by a group of passionate activists, our journey has evolved into an exciting variety of projects addressing crucial issues like digital inclusion, housing, health, social care, and transport. We strive to make Newcastle a better place to grow old.
Member-Led Legacy: Our 1300-strong membership forms the heart of Elders Council. They actively shape our agenda, leading initiatives, attending AGMs, and voting for our board. With 47 active volunteers, we've embedded a culture of citizen involvement, nationally recognized for our authenticity in member-led governance.
Diverse Engagement: Elders Council is not confined to our membership; we extend our impact to local neighborhoods. Engaging with community groups and creative projects, we ensure the diverse voices of those aged 50+ are heard and valued.
Connecting Lives: "We Connect" through accessible communications. Our magazine, The Echo, reaches 2000 older individuals via direct communication and community venues. Our E-bulletin, radio program, and social media presence extend our reach, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Activating Change: "We Activate" through events, focus groups, and projects. Annually, we facilitate 15-20 gatherings, empowering 300 members and older people to have a voice. Recent projects like "Managing the Home Care Circus" and "Just Us theatre" showcase our commitment to addressing real issues.
Influencing for Impact: "We Influence" by leading a strategic group for an Age-Friendly City, representing Newcastle in the UK network for Age-Friendly communities. Scrutinising plans affecting older people, we play a vital role in consultations, recently impacting the NCC budget. Our dialogue with the deputy leader reflects our commitment to a healthy and caring city.