A free event is set to celebrate the internationally recognised Older People's Day 2024 in Reading.

It is a day 'dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the resilience and contributions of older individuals in our communities.'

The event will be held at Broad Street Mall on Tuesday, October 1, from 9.30am to 2pm, arranged in conjunction with Age UK Berkshire.

Charities, voluntary organisations, and various council services will be available to offer advice and support.

A range of activities have been organised, including folk dancing, singing and seated exercises. Experts will be available to visitors to discuss social activities, practical help, and information.

There will also be free benefit checks, hearing tests, NHS health checks, and a pension credit surgery will also be offered.

The event will be officially opened by deputy mayor Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles at 10am.

Councillor Paul Gittings, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for adult social care, said: "Older people make huge contributions to our community, and this is our opportunity to celebrate later life.

"I would encourage residents and their families to come along to this free event to discover the wealth of local services available to support and enhance their lives and help look to the future.

"You might find out about something you didn’t know might help you.

"For example, the TEC Team have access to a range of devices, which help residents with some challenges of getting older, but also give their family peace of mind."

Organisations attending the event include: Adult Social Care Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Team (Reading Borough Council), Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading, Alzheimer’s Society, Berkshire Vision, Citizens Advice Reading, Community Wellness Outreach (NHS Health Checks), Compass Recovery College, Energy Support Team (Reading Borough Council), Engage Befriending (The Mustard Tree), Get Berkshire Active, GLL Sports & Leisure (Better), Healthwatch Reading - The Advocacy People, Home Library Service (Reading Borough Council) and MEET PEET Team (Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust).

There will also be representatives from Oddfellows, Older People Mental Health Team, Public Health & Wellbeing Team (Reading Borough Council), Readibus, Reading Community Learning Centre, Reading U3A, Reading Voluntary Action, Reading and West Berkshire Carers’ Partnership, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Sheltered Housing (Reading Borough Council), Smoke Free Life Berkshire, South Reading Patient Voice, SSE network - Priority Registers, Sustainable Communities Team (Reading Borough Council), Talking Therapies, Thames Valley Pensioner Service, Together for Mental Wellbeing and Younger People with Dementia.