On Tuesday 8th of October 2024, more than 200 people attended the launch of the Fifty+ Festival, a health and wellbeing festival, at the Royal Town Hall. The festival was organised by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, Age Concern Birmingham and The Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Network Scheme.
The focus of the event was to raise awareness amongst local residents about health issues they may encounter in later life, reduce the risk of falls in older age, manage or even avoid long-term health conditions and provide support to enable people to feel healthier and happier, for longer.
During the hugely successful day, residents had the opportunity to meet with over 50 key NHS professionals, public health practitioners, social workers and other statutory providers as well as local, voluntary and community groups who were on hand to offer guidance and advice on a wide range of topics ranging from mobility, hearing, occupational and physical therapy.
The event was set up like a health fair, providing attendees with the chance to explore various booths and stations offering health checks including a walking stick MOT, Gait assessments (a clinical evaluation of how a person walks to identify any issues in movement patterns, balance, posture and coordination) and blood pressure checks.
Attendees were also treated to performances from the Senior’s Club Punjabi, who enacted some traditional South Asian dancing and singing and The Wellbeing Community Choir who treated visitors to renditions of ‘Love is in the Air’ and ‘Zoom’.
Throughout the day, participants also had the opportunity to join in with a variety of sport and exercise taster sessions which were on offer including dancing, boxercise, Tai Chi and relaxation.
The launch event was then followed by a fortnight of health and wellbeing activities which took place across Sutton Coldfield until 20th October by over 100 local providers. These included social events and gatherings such as the ‘Knit and ‘K’ natter’ knitting club at The Coffee Tree, wellness exercises like Yoga for Beginners by Maria Widdows, physical exercises such as Walking Football at Boldmere St.Michaels FC and advice and guidance sessions such as Occupational Therapy Drop-in Clinics by Birmingham City Council Adult Social Care Team.
Some of the many positive responses from residents included:
“It was lovely finding out what services are in the area.”
“Fantastic community activities.”
“Really good.”