 Celebrating International Day of Older Persons
Each year, Manchester joins communities around the world in celebrating the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 1 October.
This year we're celebrating the resilience and contributions of older women, as well as continue to challenge ageism, portraying positive and realistic images of older people.
Women over 65s are the fastest growing female age demographic in Greater Manchester but often feel invisible. Older women’s voices need to be heard so that Manchester is a great place for all women and girls to grow older. Let’s celebrate the huge economic and social contribution older women make to Manchester, recognising older women as valuable not vulnerable.
The campaign is being run by councils and organisations across Greater Manchester. You can support the campaign on social media by using the hashtags #SheWillBeHeard and #IDOP2022.
Uncertain Futures Interruptions
Saturday 8 October, 11 am, 12 noon, 2 pm & 3 pm
Gallery 8, Manchester Art Gallery
Part of Manchester's celebrations for International Day of Older Persons
Inspired by the true accounts of women’s experiences of work and ageing gathered as part of the Uncertain Futures art and research project, four performance ‘interruptions’ will take place at Manchester Art Gallery. Come and eavesdrop of these intentional conversations performed by women over 50 revealing some of the key findings about the reality of work for women over 50.
Each performance will take place shortly after the hour at 11 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 3 pm. No need to book, just turn up.
More info
Support with cost of living
Check you're getting all you're entitled to on the helping hands page on the Manchester City Council website. The 'Help for older people' page lists what you can and can't claim for when you reach state pension age.
It's going to be a tough winter and we're encouraging everyone to ask their older friends and family, 'have you topped up? have you checked you're getting all you are entitled to?'.
We know so many older people are missing out on vital income because they don't realise they are eligible. For Pension Credit alone, around 7,500 Manchester residents could be getting on average an extra £78 per week. And once you get Pension Credit, you could also be eligible for help with housing costs, Council Tax reduction and a free TV licence if you're over 75.
Help for Older People - Manchester City Council
If you'd rather speak to someone, call Independent Age 0800 319 6789
Join us - Age Friendly Manchester Project Manager
We're recruiting! Join the Age Friendly Manchester (AFM) team, part of the council’s Public Health team, as we help residents age well in our city, focusing on mid to later life.
We have two permanent vacancies, the closing date for applications is 6 October 2022.
The AFM programme is recognised internationally as an example of good practice and innovation; Manchester was the first UK city to join the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities, committing Manchester to working towards being a better place to grow older.
More info
Age-friendly libraries
Fun Places are back for International Day of Older Persons
Saturday 1 October, 2 - 4 pm
One of our favourite events of the year is back with a focus on intergenerational activities this International Day of Older Persons.
Fun Palace events are happening in four libraries across Manchester, each hosting a fabulous day of activities for all ages – absolutely free! This is a nationwide initiative celebrating people’s passions and sharing skills and we’ve got a great array of activities which are age friendly or suitable for all the family to join in!
Check out your nearest Fun Palace Library on Saturday 1 October:
- Manchester Central Library (M2 5PD)
- Forum Library Wythenshawe (M22 5RX )
- Longsight Library (M12 4NE)
- North City Library in Harpurhey (M9 4AF)
Grand Day Out Afternoon of Poetry at North City Library
Monday 3 October, 2 - 4 pm, Free Age Friendly event
You're invited to a relaxed afternoon of poetry with local poet and library staff Kingsley Bray at North City Library in Harpurhey. Kingsley will talk about his poems and what inspires his work. We’ll be hearing some of Kingsley’s recent poems and talking about our favourite poems old and new, alongside enjoying a cup of tea and light refreshments.
North City Library’s Grand Day Out is a friendly informal group of local folk who get together on Monday afternoons 2-4pm at the Library to chat, discover new friends, explore new interests and, very often, get out and about on trips to the theatre, cinema, and further afield.
Unlocking our sound heritage at North City Library
Ever wondered if you could go back in time and share what life was like when you were younger? Well now you can! Harpurhey is the lucky recipient of the first Unlocking Our Sound Heritage listening station from the British Library. Our very own Manchester Archives based at Central Library is one of 10 UK-wide partners helping the British Library to save the nation’s sounds as part of the Unlocking Our Sound Heritage.
The Unlocking our sound heritage listening station is available now in our recently refurbished Age Friendly Library at North City Library where you can relax in comfortable surroundings and search for images and sounds of local places and people in North Manchester including Moston, Harpurhey, Blackley and Crumpsall.
This project includes hundreds of oral history interviews with Manchester people, describing all aspects of their lives touching work, play, music, family, housing, leisure and lots more. It’s free to use and open during library opening hours – Mondays & Tuesdays 9 – 8 pm, Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays 9 – 5pm. Why not pop in and help us unlock the past with sound.
Find your nearest library
 Getting online with SEASONED: Connections
Every Tuesday from 11 October, 6 - 8 pm
Fairbairn House, 72 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
LGBT Foundation has an exciting new project centering LGBTQI People of Colour (PoC) aged 45+, aimed at improving your digital skills and forging new connections through free weekly bespoke training sessions.
SEASONED: Connections will run weekly throughout October until December initially. These free sessions are designed to encourage better connection and connectivity during winter time and the potential resurgence of pandemic, improving understanding of mobile phones, software, design, email, social media navigation, recordings and beyond!
Sign up for our new SEASONED: Connections project, designed to help older people stay connected with friends and family this winter and beyond.
More info: qtipoc@lgbt.foundation
 
Parks and open spaces
Check out what's happening in your local parks, allotments and open spaces. Visit Manchester City Council's webpage and Loads to do near you in Manchester
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