Purpose

To seek Cabinet approval to join the UK
Network of Age Friendly Communities, aligning with the Age Friendly
Community priority of Mindful Towns and Villages, and align
with the UK and global network of age friendly
cities and communities. 

Decision

RESOLVED that:

 
1)    
Cabinet support Breckland becoming an Age Friendly Community
 
2)    
The Council be aligned to the UK Network of Age Friendly
Communities (Centre for Better Aging).
 
3)    
The Council be aligned to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
framework for Age Friendly Communities, at a pace that reflects our
local geography. This should be evidenced by written confirmation
of support from the leader of the Council.

Reasons for the decision

Support and endorsement is
required to enable alignment with and access to networks which will
provide guidance, resources and peer support to progress Age
Friendly Communities in Breckland. This will encourage the
development of a culture which supports older residents to live and
enjoy healthy and active later lives.
 
In turn, this will support
other services and systems in the district and across Norfolk,
including those provided by the Council and health services, which
will reduce hospital admissions and the use of resources which
could be reallocated - increasing resilience and helping to
maintain independence and improved wellbeing.
 
Align with the work of other
Councils in Norfolk, including North Norfolk District Council who
are already part of the UK Network, and Norwich City and Norfolk
County Council who are engaged in becoming Age Friendly and want to
establish a cross-Council working group.
 
To meet the objectives of the
Council’s Corporate Plan and deliver against the Inspiring
Communities priorities of addressing vulnerability and working with
the most disadvantaged members of our communities, which includes a
focus on mental health and social isolation and loneliness.
Improving mental health also aligns with the Breckland Health and
Wellbeing Partnership priorities.
 
To enhance the planned approach
of adopting the principles of Age Friendly Communities, by
providing commitment to joining the network of Age Friendly
Communities. This would allow access to peer support from other Age
Friendly Communities nationally, globally and locally, which may
not be available without the affiliations – enabling us to
better support the aging population in Breckland.
 

Alternative options considered

Option 1) To commit politically to the
development of Age Friendly Communities and align with the UK and
global networks of age friendly cities and communities –
Recommended.
 
Option 2) Do not provide political
commitment – Not recommended, as this will limit the impact
of any initiatives, which would stand alone and be detached from
the national and global collaborations, with restricted access to
support and resources.