Local Champions Gather to Power Up Healthy Ageing in Hertfordshire

Thirteen passionate Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Champions came together last week for an energising Champions Brunch, aimed at powering up healthy ageing across the county.

The brunch brought together volunteers from across Hertfordshire who are united behind a growing movement to help people live longer, healthier and more connected lives. The session provided space to recognise the impact Champions are already making in their communities and to inspire and plan the next phase of volunteering engagement which will strengthen the Live Longer Better mission even further.

Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire is a county-wide movement dedicated to changing the way ageing is thought about and supported in our communities. At its heart is a focus on enablement and empowering people to maintain and regain ability through physical, social and emotional activity, rather than simply providing care. This “revolution” is about coaching, activating communities and strengthening wellbeing for people of all ages, especially older adults across the county. 

Champions are volunteers and supporters who have completed online training to understand and advocate for active ageing, helping others discover opportunities for movement, connection and wellbeing in their local areas. Champions are helping shift the narrative around ageing, focusing on strength, independence, social connection and opportunity.

Some of the initiatives Champions have been involved with to date, include:

• Supporting campaigns such as Let’s Dance!, a national initiative founded by Angela Rippon CBE that encourages people of all ages to embrace dance for health, joy and social connection.
• Helping to facilitate wellbeing talks and sessions in local libraries and community venues, including practical support events like Supporting Someone with Parkinson’s delivered by a Champion in partnership with Carers in Herts.

Champions also exchange ideas for making the movement accessible and discussed creative ways to support older adults and those with long-term health conditions.

If you’d like to join the revolution and become a Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Champion, you can find out more and sign up on the website. Training is flexible, completed online in your own time and equips you with the knowledge and tools to advocate for active ageing in your community.

Visit Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire to find out more and join the mailing list for updates on training, events and opportunities to get involved.