Age-Friendly Celebrations in Hastings
Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) have been organising Age-Friendly events and festivals to support and enable older people to lead healthy and active lives.
The HVA Diwali Celebration
Back in 2020, Hastings Borough Council passed a motion for Hastings to join the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities, a concept developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The idea is that, in an age-friendly community, services, local groups, businesses and residents all work together to improve the physical and social environment for older people.
This October, HVA hosted a fantastically colourful and successful Diwali celebration together with St Michael’s Hospice and co-produced by the local community. It was a full house, with guests from a whole host of backgrounds sharing friendship, laughter, food, traditions and culture. There was a talk about puja (a worship ritual), and a blessing before the guests sat down to eat.
Food is a powerful tool to bring people together, and HVA are now planning their events for 2025. First up is the Chinese New Year celebration, in collaboration with Hastings Chinese Association, on Tuesday 11 February 2025 which celebrates the start of the Year of the Snake!
If you’d like to be involved, or to hear about other upcoming Age Friendly events and activities, please email Jane Caley at [email protected] or call 01424 444010.
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