Brighter Living Fair

Last week, we were lucky enough to host some wonderful events as part of the Brighter Living Fair, run by Wandsworth Council. The fair ran from the 1st to the 10th of October and was focused around supporting people with using technology, as well as staying independent within the community. A variety of organisations took part, putting on events during the week.

Age UK Wandsworth started off on Monday 3rd October with a Coffee Morning at Joan Bartlett House in Battersea. Residents enjoyed a lovely chat with plenty of treats, including croissants, doughnuts and apple pie! Everyone enthusiastically participated in a pub quiz to end the afternoon. Mugs were given out as prizes to be used as the Coffee Mornings continue! 

An all-day event was held at the Putney Job Centre on Tuesday, with a variety of services on offer. This included benefit checks, digital support and scam talks. People were able to prebook slots for the service they were interested in. The day was a success with lots of people helped, and more treats devoured.  

Wednesday was a delightful Coffee Afternoon held at Ashburton Estate. Residents enjoyed more tea and cakes, as well as another pub quiz. Digital support was also offered, so people were able to bring their devices and get their questions answered!  

On Thursday, we hosted a Digital Inclusion Open House at the Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre. As well as the usual Digipals session running, people were able to drop by all day to see what was available. We had a selection of stalls, one of which was Alcove, who had demos of the technology they can prescribe to people. This ranged from a falls pendant to an Alexa! There was also plenty of information on hand about what Age UK Wandsworth offers and how to volunteer. Referrals were able to be made on the spot, with social workers also attending.  

A well-being walk was arranged for the Friday and we were happy to see some familiar faces come along! We all met up in Roehampton and wandered up to Putney Heath. We had a lovely stroll, accompanied with friendly chit chat! To end the walk, we had a cuppa at the Village Café. 

The Brighter Living Fair was a great success with people being able to socialise within the community. Community members were also able to access support they needed, as well as having fun along the way!