A community celebration at Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre saw 70 local people come together to mark International Day of Older Persons.

Started by the United Nations in 1991, International Day of Older Persons takes place annually on the 1st of October and raises awareness of the challenges faced by the ageing population.

A major challenge faced by the older people of today is social isolation, with Age UK reporting that 1.4 million older people in the UK are ‘chronically lonely’.

To combat this challenge Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre and One Vision Housing partnered up to deliver a free event that saw 70 older people in Sefton come together for afternoon tea and entertainment from Steve Charles.

Pauline, an attendee from the local community said:

“Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a lovely afternoon at the Centre today. Great company, great entertainment from Steve Charles. My mum had a lovely day.”

Customers from one of the housing association’s Independent Living schemes also attended the event and said:

“It was lovely to come out together.” – George

“What a pleasant afternoon, thank you.” – Carol

One Vision Housing provides over 13.6k homes across the North West, and as part of The Sovini Group works closely with partner organisations like Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre to forge a better future for communities.

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing said:

“As part of The Sovini Group we believe in creating a better future for the communities we serve. This event is a prime example of how, by partnering with organisations at the centre of our neighbourhoods, we can make real positive differences and change the lives of older people.”

A total of £15,000 is available each year for voluntary and community groups through the housing association’s Community Development Fund.