Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is hosting a number of events as part of ‘Silver Sunday’ for older residents across the county. The events, all taking place on Sunday 6 October are part of a national day to overcome loneliness amongst older people.
Hundreds of organisations across the UK will come together to host free events and activities on the same day.
The events will be held at the following stations, all taking place between 10am and 12pm.
- Penrith Fire station
- Carlisle East Fire station
- Workington Fire station
- Whitehaven Fire station
- Barrow Fire station
- Kendal Fire station
The day will include tours of the station, including vehicles and equipment, a Heartstart training session and road awareness training.
The day aims to combat loneliness by providing a packed schedule of free events for older people to encourage them to try something new and meet new people. Whilst loneliness can strike at any age, older people are at greater risk. According to Age UK, more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.
Silver Sunday is organised by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a charity that works to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older people. For one day every year, Silver Sunday provides older people an opportunity to get out of the house, try new things and meet new people as well as to find out about local services that are available throughout the year.
Silver Sunday Founder, Lady Christabel Flight said: “Some people don’t like to admit they’re feeling lonely and Silver Sunday is a positive way to do something about it by meeting new people. You’re never too old to try something new and Silver Sunday is the perfect opportunity.”
Edward Burrows, Watch Manager for Prevention at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a great opportunity to come along and find out more about your local fire station, meet the firefighters and learn about the equipment and vehicles we use. It’s also a good chance to learn new things and meet new people and I am delighted that CFRS is supporting Silver Sunday – we love welcoming members of the community to our fire stations, and look forward to seeing some new faces on Sunday 6 October.”
Find out more about events and activities taking place across the country at silversunday.org.uk.
