Supporting Independence across the Cotswolds
Join us in creating lasting change throughout the Cotswolds
Key Partners with a shared purpose
Age-Friendly Cotswolds is a three-year initiative designed to improve the quality of life for older people and create lasting, community-led change. It brings together local voluntary sector organisations to work alongside older people to strengthen their connection, wellbeing and influence across towns and rural communities. The Cotswolds has one of the highest proportions of older residents in Gloucestershire, with numbers continuing to grow. Many older people want to remain active, connected and involved in community life. But rural isolation, limited transport, digital exclusion and fragmented services can make this increasingly difficult.
Age Friendly Cotswolds will focus on four priority themes: health and wellbeing, social and civic participation, empowerment and resilience, and impact and influence.
Alongside the themes, a Community Chest will provide small grants to support locally led ideas, and a Volunteer Ambassador programme will help amplify older people’s voices in decision making and strengthen peer connection.
Age-Friendly Cotswolds will be delivered by four organisations:
Age UK Gloucestershire
Age UK Gloucestershire will bring its expertise in supporting, advising and advocating for older people across the county. The organisation will help ensure that older people’s voices are heard within the initiative, contribute knowledge about ageing well, and support activities that enable residents to plan for later life and remain active and engaged in their communities.
Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance
Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance has supported the development of the Age Friendly Cotswolds initiative, helping bring together partners from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. The Alliance promotes collaboration and partnership working, ensuring the initiative builds on local strengths and creates meaningful opportunities for older people to remain active contributors to their communities.
The Churn Community Hub, Cirencester
The Churn Project will act as the lead organisation for Age Friendly Cotswolds, coordinating the partnership and supporting the overall delivery of the initiative. With long-standing experience in reducing isolation and strengthening community wellbeing, The Churn will help bring partners together, ensure older people are actively involved in shaping the programme, and support community-led approaches that build stronger local connections.
Cotswold Friends, Moreton-in-Marsh
Cotswold Friends will contribute its expertise in reducing loneliness and supporting independent living for older people across the Cotswolds. Through its extensive volunteer network and established services such as community transport, activities and befriending, the organisation will help connect older residents to their communities and support participation in local life.
Tetbury Area Youth & Community Trust
Tetbury Area Youth & Community Trust will support the initiative through its strong local relationships and community-led work in Tetbury and surrounding rural areas. Building on its experience creating inclusive community spaces and programmes, the organisation will help develop opportunities for social connection, participation and wellbeing for older residents in rural communities.
Partners & Donors
The Summerfield Charitable Trust is providing the £1 million investment that enables the Age Friendly Cotswolds initiative to take place. As a long-standing Gloucestershire funder, the Trust supports local organisations to deliver projects that strengthen communities and improve wellbeing. Through this investment, the Trust aims to support collaborative, community-led work that helps older residents remain connected, valued and able to thrive.
Volunteer With Us
Help make the Cotswolds a place where everyone can age well. By volunteering with Age Friendly Cotswolds, you can support local activities, connect with your community and help ensure older people’s voices are heard.
Interested in getting involved? Get in touch to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Ambassador or supporting local projects.
@ Age Friendly Cotswolds by CW Freelance