We’re really pleased to announce that Cotswold Friends is part of a new Age-Friendly Cotswolds project, a three-year initiative bringing together local charities to make life better for older people across the Cotswolds.

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support of The Summerfield Charitable Trust, whose £1 million investment is enabling Age-Friendly Cotswolds to take shape. The commitment reflects a shared belief in the importance of listening to older people, strengthening communities, and investing in long-term, locally led change that will help people age well across the Cotswolds.

At Cotswold Friends, we see every day how important it is for people to feel connected and supported, and able to stay independent in their own communities. As we get older, things like rural isolation, limited transport, digital barriers and fewer local services can make everyday life harder — especially in our many villages and smaller towns.

CEO Jo Hammond said: “We are really excited to be a part of this new project, which focuses on working alongside older people, listening and learning from their experiences, and ensuring they are involved and influential in shaping local life. From improving health and wellbeing, to encouraging social connection and community participation, this initiative recognises older people as a real strength in our communities and values their contribution, something that is really important to Cotswold Friends.”

As one of the four partner charities, we’re proud to be working alongside The Churn Project, Age UK Gloucestershire and Tetbury Area Youth & Community Trust, bringing together our shared knowledge and experience as we develop this work together.

As the project get going, we’ll be spreading the word locally, sharing opportunities to get involved, and amplifying the voices of older people across the Cotswolds. We’ll also share updates from our partner charities, to show how the project is developing.

This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to be part of something that puts older people at the heart of shaping the places they live.