Age Friendly Communities

Quick links: Age Friendly Middlesbrough | Age Friendly Redcar & Cleveland

What is an Age Friendly Community?

An Age Friendly Community is a place that helps people live well as they get older.

It makes it easier for older people to stay healthy, keep their independence, and continue doing the things that matter to them, such as spending time with friends and family, volunteering, getting active, or taking part in community life.

This means creating places, services and spaces that work well for people of all ages. It includes things like good transport links, suitable housing, safe public spaces, and access to information and local support.

The idea comes from the World Health Organization (WHO), based on what older people said is important for living well in later life. This includes:

  • Good public transport

  • Safe and suitable housing

  • Opportunities to stay active and connected

  • Feeling listened to, respected and included

  • Opportunities to work or volunteer

  • Clear information and access to local services

  • Outdoor spaces that are safe, welcoming and easy to use

In South Tees, we want everyone to feel valued, connected and able to take part in their community, regardless of age.

To learn more, visit YouTube and watch our short video on Age Friendly Communities.

Age Friendly Middlesbrough

The Age Friendly Middlesbrough Programme is led by Public Health South Tees.

We work with Middlesbrough Council and many local organisations, including public services and community groups. Together, we are helping to make Middlesbrough a place where people can live well as they get older.

The programme is supported by the Age Friendly Middlesbrough Steering Group. This group brings together people and organisations to help plan and improve services across the eight areas of an age friendly community.

A key part of the programme is listening to older residents. Their views and experiences help shape local plans, services and activities. This helps make sure our work reflects what matters most to older people in Middlesbrough.

To find out more about Age Friendly Middlesbrough projects and activities, visit the Age Friendly Middlesbrough page on the Middlesbrough Council website.

Age Friendly Training

This training helps people understand what it means to create a more Age Friendly Middlesbrough.

It is suitable for anyone who works with the public or wants to make their service, workplace or organisation more welcoming and inclusive for older people.

Feedback from participants

"The first half of the session was very emotional and I am still thinking about it. It changed how I see older people and what to consider when speaking with them. It has had a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.” - Training participant

Book a session

If you would like to book a place or find out more information, please email agefriendly@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call Julie McGee on 01642 728262.

We can provide tailored sessions for your team, business or organisation.

Age Friendly Redcar & Cleveland

Redcar and Cleveland is part of the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities.

This means we are working to make Redcar and Cleveland a place where people can live well at every age.

Our area has strong communities, great green spaces and people who care about where they live. As people live longer, it is important that our towns and villages help people stay healthy, independent and connected to others.

Council teams, local organisations and residents are working together to make positive changes across Redcar and Cleveland. Together, we are focusing on eight key areas that help make our communities more age friendly.

Our aim is to make it easier for people to stay involved in their community, access support when they need it and continue doing the things that matter to them as they get older.

To find out more or get involved, email agefriendly@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or call 01287 612466.