Calderdale-based community groups are invited to apply for grant funding to support a special event or activity for older people during October – celebrating the valuable contributions of older people to local communities.
As part of Calderdale’s Year of Culture and to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 1 October, Calderdale Council is offering voluntary and community organisations small grants of up to £400 to host an event or organise activities that celebrate older people.
The theme for this year’s IDOP campaign from the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities is ‘The part we play’(external link), recognising and showcasing the many contributions that older people make to local communities. Local events during October will support this theme and should contribute to the Ageing Well goal for Calderdale, by helping older people to be more connected and live in vibrant communities.
The Council’s commitment to being an Age Friendly borough is part of the wellbeing strategy aim for everyone in Calderdale to be able to live a larger life. The Year of Culture 2024 (CultureDale(external link)) complements this aim, with the Council working hard to make sure everyone can take part in the 12-month programme celebrating Calderdale’s 50th birthday.
More information about the grant and application forms are available at www.culturedale.co.uk/funding-opportunities/international-day-of-older-people-calderdale-micro-grants(external link). Paper copies of the application pack are available upon request. For more information, please contact Justin Magner, Calderdale Council’s Senior Public Health Practitioner at Justin.magner@calderdale.gov.uk.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 2 September 2024.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“In Calderdale, four in ten of the population are aged fifty plus, with one in five aged sixty-five and over. As a proud member of the UK network for Age Friendly Communities and as an Age Friendly Borough, we’re committed to ensuring that Calderdale is a great place in which to grow old.
“It’s important that everyone can take part in the 12-month programme for our Year of Culture and through discussions to help inform our Age Friendly commitment, our communities told us they would like to see more social activities and events aimed at older people.
“We’re offering small grants to help support local organisations provide opportunities during October, to celebrate and showcase the important contribution that older people make to our communities.”
Creating vibrant and well-connected communities where older people can live a larger life supports the Vision 2024 for Calderdale.
Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024. This is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
The Year of Culture (CultureDale) programme features locally-created events, festivals, exhibitions, performances and initiatives for everyone to enjoy from April 2024 to April 2025. Be inspired: www.culturedale.co.uk(external link)