Newark and Sherwood joins the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities

By joining the Network, Newark and Sherwood becomes part of a group of forward-thinking areas across the UK that are taking action to improve the physical and social environments that enable people to remain healthy, active and independent as they grow older.

This commitment places the district within the World Health Organisation’s Global Age-friendly Cities and Communities framework, an evidence based, internationally recognised approach to creating places where everyone can age well.

The District Council has joined the Network because they value their older residents and want to take the necessary steps to ensure more people can continue to enjoy life, stay connected, and access the support they need as they age.

Work has already begun through local strategies, community partnerships, and initiatives designed to reduce isolation and promote active, fulfilling lives.

Over the coming months, the District Council will continue to speak with residents, local businesses, charities, community groups and partners to identify priorities and help shape our Age-friendly Action Plan. This collaborative approach will ensure that older people across Newark and Sherwood are listened to closely and a coordinated programme is created to deliver meaningful improvements.

Joining the network will bring a wide range of partners together, enabling shared learning and helping everyone understand their role in building an age-friendly district. Newark and Sherwood District Council will also be developing a new Older Person Forum, providing a direct platform for local people to influence decisions and codesign age-friendly changes.

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Being welcomed into the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities is an exciting step forward for Newark and Sherwood. It reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for residents of all ages. We look forward to developing our Age-friendly Action Plan in partnership with local people and organisations.

“By working closely with our communities, we want to better understand the challenges older residents face and ensure their voices help shape local decisions. Becoming an age-friendly district is about more than services alone – it’s about creating places where people feel valued, connected and able to live well for longer, and where ageing is recognised as a positive and important part of community life.”

Natalie Turner, Deputy Director for Localities at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: 
“The population of the UK is ageing, with one in four people expected to be over 65 by 2050. The fact that people are living longer is cause for celebration, but it is important that we take proactive steps to allow people to age well. 

“We are delighted Newark and Sherwood have joined the growing number of areas committing to supporting the needs of our ageing population. 

“Age-friendly Communities support healthy and active ageing and allow older residents to help shape the place that they live in. In these communities, older people can continue to live in their homes and participate in activities that they value, whilst contributing to their communities.” 

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when they do. But far too many people face huge barriers that prevent them from doing so. As a result, many older people are living in poor housing, dealing with poverty and poor health, and feeling invisible in their communities and society. 

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, supporting Age-friendly Employment, and improving Age-friendly Homes. 

It is a charitable foundation funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and part of the Government’s What Works Network.