West Northants joins the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities
16 July 2026
West Northamptonshire has officially been recognised as a member of the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, marking an important milestone in its ambition to make the area a great place to live and grow older.
The successful application was jointly developed and submitted by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), Northamptonshire Sport (NSport) and Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire (VIN), reflecting a shared commitment to promoting healthy ageing and improving the lives of older residents.
Supported by the Centre for Ageing Better, the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities brings together places across the country that are working to help people remain healthy, active, connected and independent as they age.
Membership will support the delivery of the One West Northamptonshire Plan priority to make West Northants a great place to live and age well, while providing access to national best practice, resources and a growing network of age-friendly communities.
The recognition builds on work already taking place across West Northamptonshire, where partners have been working closely with community organisations, the NHS, the University of Northampton and local residents to promote healthy ageing. From community-led projects and strength and balance programmes to initiatives tackling loneliness and improving accessibility, the focus is on helping people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
A key part of the programme will be the development of the West Northants Older Person's Network, which will help ensure older residents are at the centre of shaping future priorities and plans. The network will give people aged 50 and over the opportunity to share their experiences, influence local services, help develop West Northamptonshire's Age-friendly Community Action Plan and connect with others who are passionate about improving later life across the area.
Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health and Regulatory Services at WNC, said: "We are delighted that West Northamptonshire has joined the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. As our population ages we want to ensure West Northamptonshire is a place where people can stay active, connected and as independent as possible, enabling them to continue to thrive in later life.
“Joining this network will help us build on the excellent work already taking place across the area, while ensuring older residents play a central role in shaping future priorities. Through the West Northants Older Person's Network, local people will have a stronger voice in decision-making and help shape our Age-friendly Community Action Plan. I would encourage anyone aged 50 and over to get involved and help us make West Northamptonshire an even better place to age well."
Residents aged 50 and over, as well as organisations that support older people, are encouraged to get involved. To find out more and sign up to the West Northants Older Person's Network, visit the WNC Community Network Page.
Jackie Browne, Strategic Director of Communities and Health at Northamptonshire Sport, said: "Joining the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities is an important milestone for West Northamptonshire and reflects the strength of our partnership. At Northamptonshire Sport, we know that ageing well is about much more than physical activity. It's about helping people stay connected, build confidence, and remain independent for longer.
“Through our strength and balance classes, community programmes, and work with partners across West Northamptonshire, we've seen the difference that prevention and everyday movement can make to people's health and wellbeing. We're looking forward to continuing our work with West Northamptonshire Council, Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, local organisations and residents to help create a community where everyone has the opportunity to age well."
Russell Rolph, CEO of Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, said: “Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire is delighted that West Northamptonshire has joined the UK network of Age Friendly Communities.
“This presents a real opportunity to place older residents at the centre of not only policy making but service design in its widest sense. Co-Production is vital and we would encourage older adults to get involved.”