Ageing Well – new campaign to launch in Blackburn with Darwen

Help and support for older people will be promoted throughout the next year as part of a new campaign to boost the borough’s wellbeing.

Called Ageing Well, it aims to help older people – as we all have good times throughout our lives – but as we get older, we do face new challenges.

Our new Aging Well campaign can help you face these challenges by putting you in touch with people and services that can help you to feel yourself again.

We are holding a launch event at Albion Mill from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesday, July 11th, and everyone is welcome. It will be a part of the Talk and Tunes 50+ sessions there, which are just £1 per session and are a chance to have a brew, a chat, a sing-a-long and meet new people.

It will be held at Albion Mill Community Hub Blackburn, BB2 4LX.

Whether you are lonely, have been bereaved, if you are dealing with a new health condition, have caring responsibilities or you just want to get out more and meet people and don’t know where to start – we are here to help you.

Remember the old saying – a problem shared is a problem halved?

All these situations can take their toll on your wellbeing and happiness and this can make it harder to carry on doing the things you enjoy. But support is out there.

It can be hard to ask for help, especially if you haven’t done it before, but help received at the right time can set you right and allow you to continue doing all the things you love.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, said:

I know that when we are facing certain issues, it can be tempting to brush things under the carpet and try and forget about them. But please don’t, as this new campaign is here to help you face issues and challenges and put you in contact with services that can provide the help or opportunities you need.

I really hope as many older people as possible will make contact with new groups and meet ups or just with people to talk to, as all these things can really help to boost your mood and wellbeing, and bring new and interesting experiences and friendships into your life.”

The campaign is being run by Blackburn with Darwen Council and our partners in Age UK, and over the next few months we will be highlighting the different services in our borough which are there just to support you to help you in the business of Aging Well – with happiness, self-contentment, enjoyable social relationships, and your independence.

Whether you need an ear to talk to, a course to help you learn a new skill or a group to help you meet new people or keep you physically active, we can point you in the right direction.

Not sure what you need? We can help with that too. We will be sharing stories of local people, their challenges and what it was that helped them to find joy and happiness again.

So why not join us and give something a go?

Here are some useful contacts to get you started – with information on groups, activities and support:

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen  – Tel: 01254 266620 Email: heretohelp@nhs.net Website: www.ageukbwd.org.uk

BwD Carers Service Tel: 01254 688440 Email: office@bwdcarers.org.uk Website: www.bwdcarers.org

Flourishing Minds Tel: 01257 682037 Email: flourishingminds@lancashiremind.org.uk Website: www.lancashiremind.org.uk

Wellbeing Service Tel: 01254 682037 Email: wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk Website: www.refreshbwd.com

Care Network Tel: 01254 507255 Email: info@carenetwork.org.uk Website: www.carenetwork.org.uk

For more info visit: www.bewellbwd.com