The Deputy London Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Debbie Weekes-Bernard, has shined a spotlight on Brent’s growing leadership in championing older people’s voices.
She visited Elders Voice in Kensal Green yesterday ahead of the launch of the forthcoming Mayor of London’s Age-Friendly Action Plan Progress Report and was welcomed by Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council; Rita Nath-Dongre, CEO of Elders Voice; and Tony Burch, Brent’s Age-Friendly Ambassador.
The event celebrated the momentum from last month’s Age-Friendly Brent launch, where 150 older residents came to the Civic Centre to share their priorities. These included improving transport access and pavement safety, increasing public toilets and resting spaces, and creating more opportunities for digital inclusion.
During the visit, the Deputy Mayor met Elders Voice staff, volunteers, service users and Age-Friendly Brent partners. She heard from older residents about what ageing well in Brent means to them. She also joined the charity’s much-loved Dance for Dementia session, seeing first-hand the creativity, community and joy it brings.
Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “I’m pleased to have visited Elders Voice to see the important work taking place in Brent to support older Londoners. The Mayor’s Age-Friendly Action Plan, together with the work of partners from Age UK London and Age-Friendly Brent, shows how much we can achieve when we support older people to stay active, connected and independent. I’m proud of the progress we’re making and the Mayor and I remain committed to ensuring that every older Londoner feels valued, included and able to thrive, as we build a better, healthier London for everyone.”
In her speech, Debbie Weekes-Bernard praised Brent’s “strong community leadership and partnership working,” recognising Brent as a key contributor to London’s age-friendly movement.
