24.11.2025
Ashford Place at launch of Age-Friendly Brent.
The Age Friendly initiative was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is now a global network of communities sharing the aim of creating environments that foster healthy, active, and connected ageing. As partners with Age Friendly Brent, Ashford Place is in full support of this initiative and have for many years played an active role in supporting Brent’s older residents to live well.
Brent, in line with the rest of the country, has an aging population. Over the last ten years (2014 – 2024) Brent’s population grew by 7%, but the number of residents aged 65 and over rose more than three times faster – up 23%. Despite this we continue to see a lack of consideration for older people in our physical and social infrastructure. This can result in reduced participation in social life and inactivity for many older people, creating a culture where aging is something to be feared, not embraced.
Ashford Place strives to be a force for change and has consistently been dedicated to supporting older residents feel fully engaged in the community. Participants of our Fit & Well exercise programmes, De-Cafés (Dementia Cafés), Crafternoon’s, Bingo and weekly Health Walks etc. all enjoy the benefits of keeping active and having social connection.
Furthermore, at Ashford Place we understand that having suitable and safe housing is integral at all stages of life. In old age, particularly, unsuitable housing can exacerbate the likeliness of social isolation and exclusion- what was once a manageable set of stairs can quickly become the barrier preventing an older person from being able to engage with their community. Our Housing Support Workers work tirelessly to ensure that older people are able to maintain their independence and dignity in a home that meets their needs and supports their wellbeing.
We were pleased to see that the Age Friendly launch at the Civic Centre was well attended by older Brent residents. Renee and Martha enjoyed facilitating the table discussions of the day and listening to residents making their voices heard on key issues affecting the older population. A lively performance from the Songs of Joy Choir, organised by our Dementia Team at CAD Brent, was a highlight of the day and a reminder of the important community support work already taking place in Brent to foster healthy and connected aging. Ashford Place look forward to working closely with Age-Friendly Brent, Elders Voice, Brent Pensioners Forum, Brent Council and Age UK to develop a practicable Age-Friendly plan for the Borough.
Read some of the feedback collected on the day:
