27 Oct 2025
A commitment to age-friendly services and creating a district where older people feel well supported is at the heart of SADC’s new Age-friendly ethos.
The UK Network of Age-friendly Communities has accredited the district as part of a growing movement which focuses on involving older people in council activities and acting on issues such as loneliness and social isolation.
Membership is conditional on the council continuing to engage with older people as it has been doing by holding a series of Age-friendly events.
The three drop-in events, marking United Nations International Day of Older Persons, included one at the Alban Arena attended by Citizens Advice, Communities 1st, Age UK Herts and Herts Police.
They were able to explain the services available to older people and give advice on crime prevention, health, well-being and other issues.
Free refreshments were provided by St Albans Old People’s Trust and there were opportunities to take part in digital skills sessions and seated yoga.
Cllr Sarwar Shamsher, lead for equality, diversity and inclusion, said afterwards: “I am delighted that we have been recognised as an Age-friendly district, conditional upon us continuing with our engagement work.
“As a council, we work closely with other organisations such as Age UK Herts to look after the interests of our older residents and make sure their voice is heard.
“Holding these drop-in events across the district shows we are committed to reach out to older people, engage with them and make them aware of the help and activities available to them.”
Annie Stevenson, Age UK Herts’ Age-friendly ambassador for St Albans district, attended the Alban Arena event: “The council has made a vital commitment to make our community a place to age well and access what we need. This will benefit people of all ages to reduce the scourge of isolation and loneliness.
“As I approach my seventies, my fervent hope is that our community will respect and value all older people with our wonderful services reflecting that commitment. Join the ‘sages for all ages’ and sign up to Age-friendly St Albans district!”
Everyone is welcome at the remaining two drop-in events which are being held at The Caledon Community Centre, London Colney, Monday November 3, 10am to 2pm, and Redbourn Village Hall, Thursday November 13, 9.30am to 11.30am.
If you are an older person living in the district and want to be involved in helping make the district Age-friendly by joining a forum, contact equality@stalbans.gov.uk or telephone 01727 819340.
