Hastings Borough Council joins the Network of Age-Friendly Communities

On the 24 February Hastings Borough Council became an official registered member of the UK Network of Age-friendly communities, a network supported by the Centre for Ageing Better.

At its full council meeting on 16 December 2020 the council agreed to make an official application to the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities, which has recently been accepted. The initial motion at the meeting was put forward by Cllr Ruby Cox, who has been appointed as Older Persons Champion going forward.

Cllr Ruby Cox, said,

"Ageism, unfortunately, is a problem that is rife across society, including stereotyping and a huge amount of negativity within the media.

"It is so important to show that in Hastings we are aware of this prejudice and we are aiming to improve the lives of those in older age and to ensure older people can partake in all parts of society.

"Joining this network shows our intention to consider the needs and wishes of older people in every area of policy making, to combat ageism across society and to share knowledge with other members of the Age Friendly Cities network which will help improve the lives of residents in later life.

"The goal of the UK network is to make communities across the UK good places to grow old in by reducing inequalities and acting in partnership to enable long, healthy, lives. We hope that by following this framework and having engaging discussions with other areas across the UK and sharing best practice, Hastings will become exactly this"

Cllr Judy Rogers, lead councillor for Equalities, Organisational Well-being and Performance, said,

"Age is one of the protected characteristics in the Equalities Act 2010, but unfortunately ageism is still a huge problem in our society. I'm very thankful for Cllr Cox for bringing this to our attention with her motion on 16 December, which I gladly seconded.

"Joining the network shows our commitment to ensuring that the older generation are supported locally and continue to have the same human rights as other age groups.

"We will endeavour to have older people as a target group within the council's own equalities charter, to ensure that the views and needs of older people are considered in everything we do."