Dianne McCarthy, Chief Officer of Age Concern Bristol, explains what LinkAge is all about

LinkAge is a community development project focussed on enabling older people to be more involved in planning and developing their local services and activities.  LinkAge pilots are planned in Bedminster/Southville and Easton/Lawrence Hill and will have two development workers in each area working with service providers to encourage greater accessibility and engagement with older people. There are also plans to develop volunteering opportunities.

A vital element of LinkAge is to promote the health and wellbeing of older people through a number of new initiatives such as:

• a toe nail cutting service delivered by volunteers which is being considered by Age Concern, the PCT and Anchor Society
• a gentle exercise programme delivered by volunteers specially trained for the job which is about to be launched by Sports services, Retired Service Volunteer Programme and Adult Community care;
• a range of intergenerational activities including gardening, choirs etc. 
• a scheme with RSVP where volunteers are available to drive older people to and from doctors’ appointments.

LinkAge will take place in a number of community facilities such as community centres, very sheltered housing schemes, church halls etc. The first pilot located in Bedminster/Southville will be launched in September at Monica Wills House.

Dianne McCarthy