Age UK Norfolk & Aviva Bringing People Together

On 25th July, Age UK Norfolk and Aviva joined forces to host a very special coffee morning – one with a powerful purpose. Held at Aviva’s Norwich office, the event brought together over 40 people, including Aviva staff, Age UK Norfolk team members, volunteers, and service users, to shine a spotlight on the issue of loneliness in later life.

The morning was a vibrant and heartwarming occasion, filled with coffee, cake, conversation – and plenty of new connections. Guests had the chance to meet and mingle across generations and professions, coming together to learn more about Age UK Norfolk’s vital work and the transformative role volunteers play in combating loneliness for older people across the county.

A particular highlight of the event was a special birthday celebration for June, one of Age UK Norfolk’s service users, who recently turned 90. June was presented with birthday cake, a card signed by everyone in attendance, and a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday", marking a beautiful moment of joy, recognition and togetherness!

James Barnard from Aviva shared:“As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and social action, Aviva is proud to have partnered with Age UK Norfolk to host a special befriending event in our Norwich office.

Loneliness affects around 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 — a statistic that reminds us how vital connection and compassion are. That’s why I’m so pleased we had the chance to welcome 20 of Age UK Norfolk’s service users for a morning of coffee, cake, and conversation.

Charities like Age UK Norfolk do incredible work to support and uplift our older community members, and it’s a privilege for us at Aviva to play a small part in that mission. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible.”

Michelle Diston-Jay, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Age UK Norfolk, added: “This coffee morning was more than just tea and cake – it was a powerful reminder of how community, compassion and conversation can help to combat loneliness.

We’re incredibly grateful to Aviva for their warm welcome and commitment to supporting older people. Events like this show how partnerships between charities and businesses can create lasting impact and genuine moments of joy.”

The event forms part of Age UK Norfolk’s ongoing work to reduce loneliness and social isolation for older people, particularly through its Companionship services. The charity welcomes enquiries from individuals or companies interested in volunteering or supporting its mission to ensure every older person in Norfolk feels valued, connected and heard.