Can you make a difference to the older generation?

Age UK Bristol is looking for cafes and businesses across Bristol to help bring older people together and tackle social isolation.

Through its project Friends Ageing Better (FAB), the charity is trying to help the over 50s take advantage of what’s on offer in the city and meet others.

Silvia Jimenez Cruz from FAB says: “We know that many older people can experience isolation, particularly after losing a partner or through reduced health and mobility, or retiring from their jobs.

“FAB works with local businesses and organisations to provide older people with incentives and opportunities to get out and about, meet neighbours and enjoy more of what the city has to offer…” 

FAB runs regular café meet ups, called ‘catch up cafes’ across Bristol to bring people together.

They can happen in a number of different locations from high street cafes and community centres to places of worship.

In South Bristol, the first place to host a catch up was the Withywood Centre on a Tuesday morning – and there are now many across Bristol.

Age UK is asking other venues, cafes and businesses to sign up to FAB and offer a discount for older people in Bristol or host one of their ‘catch ups’. 

They hope the incentive will encourage over 50s in their local communities to get out and about and socialise.

Any venue wanting to become more age-friendly and encourage older people to come as customers should contact the Friends Ageing Better team on 0117 440 4301 or email fab@ageukbristol.org.uk.

FAB members can also benefit from special events such as tours and talks at places of interests as well as discounts from participating businesses in the city. To join visit www.ageukbristol.org.uk or call 0117 440 4301.