Age UK Norwich Celebrates Decades of Fighting Loneliness with Enduring Lunch Clubs and Landmark Exhibition

The upcoming exhibition, "80 Years in the Making," celebrates eight decades of dedicated service to the over 50s community in Norwich. A cornerstone of this enduring commitment has been the charity's beloved lunch clubs, which have been a vital source of warmth, nourishment, and companionship for over 50 years. 

The first Age UK Norwich lunch club was launched in 1972, born out of an emergency need for food and warmth during a time of national fuel crisis. What began as a critical response to immediate hardship has since blossomed into a cherished service, providing a welcoming space for older people to connect, share a meal, and combat the persistent problem of loneliness and isolation. 

"Our lunch clubs have evolved over the years but the core benefit has stayed the same, offering the opportunity to be with people; they are a lifeline for many, fostering connections and building a strong sense of community," says Dan Skipper, CEO of Age UK Norwich, who celebrates 10 years with the charity this year. "It's remarkable to see how a service initiated over five decades ago continues to be incredibly relevant and impactful today, directly addressing challenges that have plagued older generations for over 80 years." 

The fight against loneliness and isolation has been at the heart of Age UK Norwich's mission since its inception. Founded on in April 1945, in the wake of the Second World War, the charity was established to tackle the many issues facing older residents, a problem highlighted by reports such as the Beveridge Report of 1942. From establishing a visiting service for the housebound in 1968 to evolving initiatives like the current befriending service, Age UK Norwich has consistently innovated to ensure older people not only live longer but live well for longer. 

The charity's extensive history showcases a relentless pursuit of this goal, adapting to changing societal needs while remaining steadfast in its core values. From pioneering welfare rights advice in the 1990s, securing £2.87 million in welfare benefits for older residents in 2024, to leading the Dementia Friendly Norwich initiative in the 2010s, Age UK Norwich has been a constant advocate and provider of essential services. Their work continues to be recognized, with two services featured in Professor Chris Whitty's 'Health in an Ageing Society' Report in 2023, and their falls prevention video in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital nominated for an HSJ Award. 

Experience "80 Years in the Making" 

To delve deeper into the charity's rich history and witness how Age UK Norwich continues to tackle current issues around ageing, the public is invited to a free and interactive exhibition: 

"80 Years in the Making" Dates: August 4th - 7th Location: The Forum, Norwich 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to gain historical insight, explore the evolution of services, and understand the ongoing efforts to support older people in Norwich. It's a chance to see how community spirit and dedication have persisted across generations to create a more age-friendly city, a status Norwich proudly achieved in 2024. 

Join Age UK Norwich in celebrating its past, understanding its present, and contributing to a future where older people can truly live well for longer.