18/03/2026: Breckland Council joins the UK network of Age-Friendly Communities

Breckland Council has joined the national network of Age-friendly Communities, which will help the authority create environments where people of all ages can live healthy, connected, and independent lives.

Age Friendly Communities is a national movement supported by the Centre for Ageing Better and linked to the World Health Organisation's global age-friendly initiative.

The authority has hit the ground running, working closely with the community on initial projects in support of age-friendly communities including free volunteer training, distribution of 'Warm Packs' including hot water bottles and slippers to aid winter wellbeing, and initiatives to reduce isolation such as 'Time to Talk' bench plaques which help to promote friendly conversations and community spirit.

Breckland Council is leading a steering group of partners, including Public Health, Age UK Norfolk and local voluntary sector organisations, to develop an Age-friendly framework with input from older residents, local businesses and community groups.

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "We are proud to join this national and global movement. Our older residents are a vital part of our communities, and we want to ensure they can continue to thrive. This commitment will help us work with partners and residents to make Breckland an even better place to age."

Breckland is the third council in Norfolk to join this movement, which will help tackle barriers to participation and promote inclusive communities. This work is a key priority within Breckland's flagship Mindful Towns and Villages programme and aligns with the Breckland Health and Wellbeing Partnership's 'Age Well' focus.

For more information contact community@breckland.gov.uk or visit the 'Older Adults' section of our website.