August 23 2013.
There will be walks, talks, crafts and quizzes aplenty during September and October, as East Sussex celebrates Older People's Day 2013. The national event is designed to celebrate the contributions and achievements of older people and in East Sussex this year's theme is 'joining in'.
Supported by East Sussex County Council and with an events programme booklet, now available from libraries, or for download, many of the events have been organised by the county's network of Seniors' Forums as well as community groups and local organisations such as Hope G (Hastings Older People's Ethnic Group) and Age UK.
Kate Davies, chair of the East Sussex Seniors Association, (ESSA), said: "This year's theme is joining in and that's what we want to encourage, as many people to get involved as possible.
"You don't have to be a member of an organisation or already involved in a local group; for many events you can just turn up. It is a great opportunity to get involved and make some new friends. There is something on offer for everyone, whether you want to get active, enjoy the countryside or just meet up for a cup of tea and a chat."
There are a variety of events on offer in the local area and across the rest of the county and many are free of charge.
People can find out information about health and social services, local groups and clubs and much more at an
over 50s roadshow at the Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven organised by Meridian Mature Citizens' Forum and find out what help is available in the community with
Seaford Seniors' Forum at Seaford Baptist Church.
Wave Leisure is also offering older people the chance to take part in a range of
leisure activities for 50p when they produce a copy of the events programme.
Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council's cabinet member for adult social care and older people's champion, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this annual event.
"Older People's Day is all about celebrating older people and there is a wide range of events to mark the occasion, such as learning how to cook a healthy meal for one, line dancing at a country and western day or enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea.
"Why not get out and about, see what your area has to offer, try new things and make some new friends?"
A programme of events is available to pick up from local libraries or download from www.eastsussex.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday
The booklet includes details of all events and contact details for people to book places, where necessary. There are also details of how to get to the venue and what help is available with transport.
To find out more about Older People's Day visit www.olderpeoplesday.co.uk
To find out more about seniors forums across East Sussex go to www.essaforums.org.uk or you can contact Denise Leary on 01273 336298 or email: denise.leary@eastsussex.gov.uk
If you have problems getting a copy of the events programme booklet call 01273 481565.