MP calls for community groups to support ‘Silver Sunday’

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has called on West Sussex community groups to hold ‘Silver Sunday’ events in October this year to celebrate older people.

With four months to go before this year’s Silver Sunday on 6 October, Mr Herbert highlighted the importance of the day to bring communities and generations together while raising awareness of loneliness amongst older people. 

Local organisations and community groups are invited to hold events on Silver Sunday which are fun and free and for everyone to enjoy.  Past events have included tea dances, boat rides, Sunday lunches and cultural experiences. 

Silver Sunday was launched in 2012 by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation and Westminster City Councillor Lady (Christabel) Flight, former Lord Mayor of Westminster and wife of Arundel & South Down’s former MP, Howard (now Lord) Flight.  Now in its eighth year, the number of events is growing, with around 1,000 taking place last year and 50,000 older people participating.    

Mr Herbert supported a Silver Sunday afternoon tea two years ago, hosted by Age Concern in Hassocks, where he helped to serve sandwiches to over 100 guests.  He described it is as “a happy event which brought people together.”   

Mr Herbert said: “Silver Sunday is a wonderful idea for bringing generations together and tackling the loneliness that too many experience.  I would be delighted to hear about events taking place in my constituency and would be very happy to come along and give my support.” 

If you wish to host an event or find out more, please see wwwsilversunday.org.uk. 

ENDS 

Notes  

1.     Photograph – Nick Herbert with a reminder that Silver Sunday takes place on Sunday 6 October. 

2.      For more information about Silver Sunday see www.silversunday.org.uk.