Live Longer Better community sessions set to bring support closer to rural residents
Posted on: 3 September 2026
Tewkesbury Borough Council is pleased to support a new series of ‘Live Longer Better’ community drop-in sessions taking place across the east area of the borough, helping older residents access information, advice, activities and support closer to where they live.
Developed in partnership with the NHS, the sessions aim to promote healthy ageing, improve wellbeing and connect residents with local services and community opportunities.
Building on the success of the health and wellbeing drop-in event held at Abbey Fields in Winchcombe last year, three community sessions have been planned for autumn 2026:
• Alderton Village Hall – 11 September, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
• Toddington Village Hall – 1 October, 10.30am to 12 noon
• Gretton Village Hall – 26 October, 10am to 12 noon
The free events are particularly aimed at residents who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation, managing health conditions, facing financial pressures, or wanting to learn more about the support available within their local community. Organisations from the health, wellbeing, community safety and voluntary sectors will be on hand to provide advice, information, and practical support.
Residents will also have the opportunity to take part in a seated multi-sports taster session designed to encourage physical activity in a fun and accessible way. Refreshments will be available to purchase at the events, with all proceeds going directly to the host charities.
Councillor Debbie Harwood, Lead Member for Communities and Engagement, said: “These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for older residents to find out more about the support available within their local communities. By bringing services directly into our villages, we can help people stay active, connected and independent while ensuring they know where to turn when they need advice or assistance.”
Sam Couldrey, NHS Social Prescribing Link Worker, said: “We know that many people face barriers to accessing support, especially in rural areas. The Live Longer Better sessions will help residents connect with local services, activities and organisations in an informal and welcoming setting, while also providing opportunities to meet others and reduce feelings of isolation.”
A range of organisations from the health, wellbeing, voluntary and community sectors have already committed to supporting the sessions. The programme reflects a collaborative approach to improving outcomes for residents and creating stronger connections between local services, community groups and rural communities. Information stalls, advice services, community activities and opportunities to engage with local organisations will all form part of the events.
The three host venues already provide well-established community coffee mornings and local hubs which regularly attract around 50 residents. These existing community networks provide an excellent opportunity for residents to access information and support in familiar, trusted settings while enabling organisations to engage directly with local communities. Additional opportunities to deliver further sessions across the east area are being explored, subject to venue availability, local demand and partner capacity.
For more information about the sessions or to enquire about attending as an organisation, please contact Anj Patel, Community and Place officer for the east area of Tewkesbury Borough at anj.patel@tewkesbury.gov.uk or Sam Couldrey, NHS Social Prescribing Link Worker at s.couldrey@nhs.net
