The Cabinet has decided to support Breckland becoming an Age Friendly Community and align with global and national networks for Age Friendly Communities.

URL: https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2474

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

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. 

Content: 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.  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. 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.   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.  

Date of Decision: June 23, 2025