Hillingdon Council Unveils Details for Upcoming Age-Friendly Festival

Hillingdon Council has released details for its upcoming Age-Friendly Festival, set to take place on Thursday, September 30th, at the Platinum Jubilee Centre in West Drayton. The event, scheduled to run from 10 am to 2 pm, aims to provide older residents with valuable information, health checks, and engaging activities, all free of charge.

Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, confirmed the festival's details during a recent Council meeting. The event is a key component of the Council's ongoing commitment to supporting its older population through the Age-Friendly Hillingdon Plan 2026-2031. This plan's primary objective is ensuring that older residents can continue to access information, advice and support through face-to-face engagement with local services and organisations. The festival directly contributes to this by bringing together a wide range of local partners to help residents stay informed, active and connected.

With approximately 13.1% of Hillingdon's population aged over 65 (around 43,000 individuals), the festival is designed to foster connection and well-being within this demographic. While targeted at older residents, no specific age cut-off beyond this general description has been announced.

Attendees can expect a range of offerings, including free health checks beyond blood pressure monitoring, such as general health assessments. They will also have access to information from various organizations including Age UK, Shop Mobility, Adult Social Care, and Dementia Support Services. Taster sessions for activities like badminton and short mat bowls will also be available, allowing residents to explore the new facilities at the Platinum Jubilee Centre. While specific workshops or talks are not detailed, the opportunity to speak directly with a range of organisations is a key feature.

Last year's inaugural festival, held in Uxbridge, saw 206 attendees and facilitated 101 health checks, highlighting the value residents place on accessible, in-person support. The council anticipates a similar positive response to this year's event, which promises to help older residents remain independent, informed, and connected within their local communities.