Champions wanted to give older people a voice

Trafford Council is on the look-out for champions – and that could be you!

Volunteers over the age of 50 are wanted who will take action to help raise awareness and older people’s voices continue to be heard in communities across the borough.

The Age Friendly Champions can promote Age Friendly Trafford within their workplace, sports team, place of worship, with family and friends or anywhere in their community.

Cllr Jo Harding, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:

"This is a role that suits anyone that is willing to connect with others and is passionate about having their say on issues affecting older people.

We are looking for champions who can promote and support Age Friendly initiatives, or may wish to find ways to link their role in with the work they already do.

As a Council, we believe it is vital that our older people continue to have their voices heard and that they influence and make decisions that affect their lives.”

Trafford is recognised as being Age Friendly and forms part of the UK network of Age-friendly Communities, which is made up of over 40 cities, towns, districts and counties working together to share learning and promote age-friendly practices. 

The borough’s Age-Friendly plan is based on supporting Trafford residents to live healthier lives for longer; enabling Trafford residents to live in their homes and neighbourhoods for as long as possible and empowering older residents to have their say on the things that matter to them.

Acting as a volunteer, the Age Friendly Champion role is a flexible one, both in terms of time commitment and types of activities undertaken. 

Activities could include taking part in consultations and campaigns, and encouraging others to join in; promoting Age-Friendly initiatives on social media; and encouraging change to ensure services are accessible to all people.

For more details about the Volunteer Age Friendly Champion role, please contact the Partnerships and Communities team at Trafford Council on partnershipsteam@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 1173.