Silver Sunday is a national day where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people.
It is a day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities and connect with their local communities.
Held on the first Sunday of every October, it is a shining example of community collaboration in tackling isolation and loneliness among older people, and can involve all generations.
Beginning in 2012 in Westminster with just 19 events, it grew to 1,000 national events across the UK in 2022 attended by tens of thousands of older people, supported by more than 100 organisations.
Last year’s events included walking football in Worcester, a dementia-friendly concert in Knightsbridge, a variety show in Edinburgh, steam train rides in Newcastle and digital classes across the UK with Three Discovery.
Care providers, including Bupa, Sanctuary Care and Anchor Hanover, also took part by hosting parties for their residents.
Among many others, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Liverpool Royal Court Theatre and the English National Ballet have already pledged their support for 2023.
We are encouraging more councils to get behind our ambitious goal to reach 100,000 older people across the UK through 2,000 events in 2023.
The most important way a council can take part is by urging businesses, charities, community groups and volunteers within their local area to support Silver Sunday and organise or host events on or around 1 October.
Alternatively, why not organise an event yourself for your older residents?
We would be thrilled if you felt able to take part and it would be great to see you on our national map of events.
For further details on how to join in, download our free information pack and event toolkit from silversunday.org.uk, follow us on Twitter @SilverSundayUK or email us at [email protected].
“We have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, so why not Silver Sunday celebrating older people?”
Lady Flight, Founder of Silver Sunday
Silver Salisbury
One powerful example of Silver Sunday is in Salisbury. With funding support from Salisbury City Council, local charity Silver Salisbury creates an annual autumn programme of more than 100 activities for older people, in particular targeting those who might be lonely or isolated.
“The Silver Salisbury programme is full of things that older people are involved in, contribute to and enjoy, supporting people in maintaining their independence and giving opportunities for those who’d like to be getting out and about more but don’t know where to start.”
Irene Kohler, Salisbury’s Older People’s Champion
Silver Sunday in Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks District Council has supported Silver Sunday for a number of years, collaborating with local businesses and the care and charitable sectors to provide opportunities for older people to engage in new social and wellbeing activities. In 2022, they provided more than 40 events including walking rugby, Tai Chi sessions, and exercise classes.
“Silver Sunday is a really positive way of supporting the over-50s to try new things and meet new people… If you have an elderly relative or friend who would enjoy more social interaction, encourage them to come along to a Silver Sunday event.”
Cllr Lesley Dyball, Sevenoaks District Council