Great hYdrate Teams Up for Hydration Push
Published on 01 May 2025 02:34 PM
Age UK Norwich, the Great Yarmouth Borough Council Community Hub team, Public Health, and the Health and Wellbeing Partnership are working together on a vital project, the ‘Great hYdrate’.
Funded through the Improved Better Care Fund, Great hYdrate focuses on proactive health and well-being by raising awareness and providing support to individuals, particularly those over 50, about the importance of drinking the recommended daily amount of fluids.
Staying properly hydrated offers significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and falls – both of which can unfortunately lead to hospital admissions. The goal of the Great hYdrate project is to reach as many people within the Great Yarmouth community as possible, equipping individuals and community teams with the resources needed to have meaningful conversations with residents about maintaining healthy hydration levels and, ultimately, reducing dehydration-related hospital admissions.
"Think of water as essential fuel for your body. Staying hydrated keeps everything running smoothly, supporting your energy, clarity, and overall sense of well-being. It's a simple yet crucial habit for a healthier and more vibrant life” says Kelly Parkin, Health Specialist at Age UK Norwich. "We believe that by empowering individuals and community teams with the right information, we can make a real difference in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and improving the overall well-being of older residents in Great Yarmouth."
Developed by Age UK Norwich and the University of East Anglia in 2024, this FREE, in-person training course will provide carers and other health professionals with the necessary tools and information to confidently discuss hydration with others and share valuable advice.
Together, we’re making a real difference in the health and well-being of the Great Yarmouth community through the power of hydration.
Resources
Drinking & hydration for older adults
1 in 4 older people are dehydrated, so aren’t drinking enough. This can cause a range of health problems and can even contribute to falls, infections and strokes. Read our booklet, which is full of useful information to keep you well:
Drinking & hydration for older adults
Hydration for Health and Social Care Professionals
These downloadable resources aim to help health professionals assess whether their clients are drinking enough to stay healthy. If not, they outline practical ways to support them so they increase their fluid intake.
The materials have been created by the University of East Anglia and Age UK Norwich in collaboration with over 50s, as part of the “Drinking Well at Our Age’ project.
Drinking & Hydration for Health and Social Care Professionals
Later Life Learning
The Later Life Learning portal is a way of sharing resources, training and support, designed in collaboration between our partner organisations to better support the thriving population of over 50s in the UK. Bringing together experts in the voluntary sector and academics, we hope to encourage people over 50 to live better for longer, by empowering then directly, as well as those offering care and support to them.