We are encouraging Banbury businesses, groups and organisations to become age friendly and adopt the Age Friendly Banbury Pledge to unite the town in being mindful of its older residents and how they access services local to them.
The initiative is delivered by the Age Friendly Banbury partnership which is committed to making Banbury a great place to grow old. The partnership brings together older people, community leaders, local charities, businesses, and local councils, including Age UK Oxfordshire, The Royal Voluntary Service, Cherwell District Council, Visit Banbury, and Citizen’s Advice. It is free to adopt the pledge and join Age Friendly Banbury, a membership now of over 130 individuals and organisations.
Across the UK, communities and cities are working to become age friendly. Banbury is already signed up to the UK network of age friendly communities and is on the way to becoming recognised as an age friendly town.
By adopting the Pledge, you will have access to resources and training that will help educate and upskill your employees, volunteers and management. Showing your commitment will encourage Banbury residents to access your shop, business or service – and this can only be a positive outcome.
It couldn’t be simpler than working towards the four themes in the Pledge, which are be welcoming and friendly, consider easy, safe access for all, openly share your facilities, and signpost to more information. Display the pledge on your premises, along with the Age Friendly Banbury window sticker, to show that you are signed up! In return, residents will know that you are thinking about how older people access services, and that you are invested in providing the best experience for them.
To find out more about how to sign up to the Age Friendly Banbury pledge, please contact Bee Myson, Age Friendly Banbury co-ordinator, bee@oxfordshire.org