A COMMUNITY event in Stalybridge has brought together local residents aged 50 and over with organisations offering support, activities and opportunities on their doorstep.
The ‘What’s On Your Doorstep?’ event was held at Stalybridge Civic Hall as part of this year’s International Day of Older People celebrations.
Organised by Jigsaw Support with support from Tameside Council, the afternoon gave residents the chance to meet local organisations, find out what is available in their communities and enjoy some social time.
Among those attending were Tameside Carers Centre, WorkWell Tameside, Age UK, PC Refurb, Older Persons Network, Ridgehill Together, Active Tameside and Men in Sheds.
Entertainment was also provided by Tameside Music Service and pupils from St Paul’s CE Primary School.
For one resident, the event provided an opportunity to find new ways to stay connected following a difficult period.
She said: “My husband passed away not long ago and since then I’ve been lonely. I came to find out about things I can get involved in. It’s been nice to talk to different people and find out what’s available.”
The event forms part of the Live Well in Later Life (LWILL) programme, which supports people aged over 50 living in Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Ridge Hill.
Led by Jigsaw Support in partnership with Tameside Council, the programme aims to help older residents remain healthy, active and connected as they get older.
Phil Brooke, Community Engagement Worker for Jigsaw Support, said: “This year’s International Day of Older People theme of finding out ‘what’s on your doorstep’ was an excellent fit for our programme. We had a wide range of services and organisations at the event, and it was really well received by our attendees.”
Councillor Jackie Lane, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, said: “I was really pleased to join this event to mark the International Day of Older People. It was fantastic to see firsthand how people connected and the variety of support services people could talk to.
“It’s so important that we listen and work with the people who live in our communities so we know exactly what living well in later life means to them. If you’re over 50 and live in Stalybridge or Dukinfield, please do get involved with the Live Well in Later Life initiative. Your views are invaluable.”
Donna Kelly, Group Director of Support and Neighbourhoods at Jigsaw Homes Group, said the project was about creating opportunities for people to remain independent and connected.
“Our Live Well in Later Life project is aimed at creating opportunities for people to stay connected, active and independent as they get older. This event gave us the chance to connect with local people, community groups and organisations and help us build stronger, more age-friendly communities where everyone can live well in later life.”
The LWILL initiative is also part of Tameside Council’s 2026-2030 plan, which aims to increase engagement with communities and bring support closer to where people live.
More information about the Live Well in Later Life programme and how to get involved can be found on the Jigsaw Support website.