Meads councillors support Silver Sunday

Meads ward councillors in Eastbourne have given a grant towards an event which helps combat social isolation in older people.

The annual event called Silver Sunday is being held on 6 October in Meads and local councillors Robert Smart, Barry Taylor and Jane Lamb were keen to support it with a £200 boost from the devolved budget.

Silver Sunday is a national initiative to celebrate older people and show them that they are valued.

Lighthouse Medical Practice is encouraging 100 of its patients to participate in the special afternoon, during which time they will be introduced to a wide range of taster activities which they may pursue in the future if they wish.

In a joint statement, the councillors said: “Social isolation is a major issue for some older people and we need to show them that they matter. This Silver Sunday event is an opportunity for 100 selected older people to get out of the house and try different activities. We wish the organisers every success with the event.”

Alan Wenham is on the Silver Sunday Organising Committee and said: “A number of community organisations are working together on this new idea and they all appreciate the financial assistance from the ward councillors.”

Silver Sunday was launched in 2012 by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation and Westminster City Councillor Christabel Flight, after a report revealed that over a third of the over 75s said they were lonely. The event celebrates older people, recognises their contribution to communities and helps them to meet new people.

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