Growing older should be a positive, healthy and fulfilling experience — and in Blackburn with Darwen, we’re here to help make that possible. Ageing Well BwD is a new borough-wide campaign designed to support people aged 50 and over to stay active, connected and independent. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your wellbeing, find local groups, stay steady on your feet, or simply feel more confident about ageing well, this is the place to start.
Every stage of life brings opportunities, and small steps can make a big difference. From mental wellbeing and physical activity to social connection, safety and local support services, Ageing Well BwD brings everything together in one easy, trusted place.
Ageing well is possible at any age — and you don’t have to do it alone.
Our Goal
To help you feel good now, stay independent for longer, and access the brilliant services and community support available across Blackburn with Darwen.
What Can You Find Here:
· Practical tips for living well at every age
· Local activities, groups and events you can get involved in
· Information on staying active, connected and independent
· Support to help you stay well — including wellbeing, staying steady on your feet and memory support
· Leaflets, resources and ways to get support near you
Your Choices, Your Wellbeing
As we get older, what matters to us can shift — whether that’s staying connected, keeping active, or feeling strong and independent day to day.
Sometimes it helps to pause and think about what’s working well, and what small changes might help you feel even better.
That might mean:
- Spending time with others or trying something new locally
- Finding simple ways to keep moving and stay steady
- Building routines that support your mood and energy
- Reaching out for support when things feel difficult
There’s no single “right” way — it’s about what works for you and the life you want to lead.
If you’d like to explore new activities, meet people, or access support, there are friendly, local services across Blackburn with Darwen ready when you are.
You’re in control, and support is there if and when you need it.
Download the Ageing Well Leaflet by clicking below:
Blackburn-with-Darwen-Ageing-Well-Leaflet-1.pdf
Looking After Your Physical Health
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As we get older, our bodies naturally change — but taking small, steady steps to look after your physical health can make a big difference to how confident, independent and well you feel day-to-day.
Small actions like regular short walks, stretching, or breaking up long periods of sitting all build up over time. These simple habits support your energy, mood and confidence, helping you stay independent for longer and keep doing the things you enjoy.
Whether you’re just beginning to be more active or looking for new ways to stay strong and steady, there’s support right here in Blackburn with Darwen to help you age well, at your own pace.
Looking After Your Mental Health:
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Good mental health is just as important as physical health. Life changes — such as retirement, bereavement, health worries or feeling less connected — can affect how we feel day to day. But small steps to look after your emotional wellbeing can really help.
Getting outside, chatting with a friend, trying a new hobby or joining a local group can all lift your mood and reduce stress. Staying connected and doing things you enjoy supports clearer thinking, better sleep and a stronger sense of purpose.
The good news? You don’t need to start with big changes. Little steps — taken regularly — help you stay independent for longer, keep doing the things you enjoy, and maintain the freedom to live life your way.
You can find local support services and more information here: Mental Health Support For Adults – Be Well BWD
Understanding Changes in Strength and Balance:
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Many people notice changes in strength and balance as they get older. For some, daily tasks take a little more energy; for others, it may feel like they’re less steady or strong than they used to be. These experiences don’t define you — they simply highlight opportunities to support your body.
This can be a good time to think about what’s important for your wellbeing:
· What activities do I want to stay confident doing?
· How do I want to feel as I move through daily life?
· What would help me feel safer, stronger or more supported?
Small steps like light strength building exercises, eating well, staying hydrated or joining local activity groups can all help build confidence and stability.
How Vaccinations Support Healthy Ageing:
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As we get older, our immune system becomes weaker, making infections like flu, pneumonia, COVID19, RSV and shingles more serious and harder to recover from. Vaccinations reduce the risk of severe illness, hospital stays and long term complications, helping people stay active and independent for longer.
There is also emerging evidence that preventing infections may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Infections such as flu and shingles can trigger inflammation and cardiovascular stress — factors linked to increased dementia risk. Vaccination may therefore play a role in protecting brain health as we age.
Free vaccinations make it easier for everyone to access this protection, supporting healthier ageing not just for individuals but also for families and communities.
Alcohol & Smoking: Taking a Fresh Look at What Works for You:
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Only you know what feels right for your body and your life. Taking a moment to reflect on alcohol or smoking is about giving yourself options — options that can help you stay independent, active, and well for longer.
As we get older, many people notice these habits affect them differently. Alcohol may feel stronger or impact sleep, balance, or mood, while smoking may feel less helpful over time. You might begin to notice the benefits of small changes — such as easier breathing, more energy, or fewer health concerns.
Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference, helping you feel more confident, clearer in your thinking, and more in control of your wellbeing.
It can help to pause and ask yourself:
- How do alcohol and smoking make me feel these days?
- Do I notice benefits when I cut down?
- Would small changes help me feel steadier or more in control?
- How do these habits fit with how I want to live as I age?
Simple steps — like having an alcohol-free day, choosing lower-strength drinks, using smaller measures, delaying your first cigarette, or gradually cutting down — can help you explore what works for you.
Whenever you feel ready, supportive, non-judgemental help is available across Blackburn with Darwen.
You’re in control — and even small steps can make a big difference.
Smokefree Blackburn with Darwen – A Stop Smoking Service
Spark | Drug & alcohol support services in Blackburn with Darwen
Slips, Trips and Falls
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There is lots of support available locally to help prevent falls, whether you haven’t had one, have experienced a couple of slips, or falls are becoming more frequent and are impacting on your daily life.
Changes to strength and balance is normal as we age and it is important to take small steps to prevent falls where ever we can. Whether that’s going to strength and balance classes, increasing your physical activity or reducing hazards around the house, there are services who can help.
For a free home check you can call or email Care Network who can advise and refer to services if you require. Call them on: 01254 507255, email: healthyhomes@carenetwork.org.uk or find out more on their website: Keeping safe at home | Care Network (Blackburn with Darwen) Ltd
If you are worried about trips outside the home RoSPA have made this short video here:
Dementia Support:
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Memory Makers at Age UK BwD
Living with memory loss or having a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult to come to terms with but many older people live very well with both. Age UK BwD trained staff use a technique called cognitive stimulation therapy which focuses on opinions rather than just facts or reminiscence. The sessions are small in size so that everyone feels comfortable and amongst friends and are tailored to the audience. There are a range of activities and sessions on offer including games, crafts, history, current affairs and music. The sessions have proven benefits of improving social confidence, speech and memory.
For more information please call Age UK BwD on 01254 266620 or read more on their website here: Age UK Blackburn with Darwen | Memory Makers – Cherry Tree Library
Local Support Services:
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Age UK
Age UK BwD are a local charity who support people aged 50+. They provide a multitude of services and groups such as Memory Makers, a range of physical activity classes, a befriending service, digital support, integrated care support and information and advice for older people and their carers. They have a drop in hub based at Blackburn Library on the ground floor if you want to pop in and find out more. Click here to visit the website
Care Network
Whether it’s support for you or someone close to you, support at home or in your community, Care Network will do everything we can to inform you and connect you with quality services so that you can make choices which foster independent, healthy and safe lives. They offer support with wellbeing, your home including the safe trader scheme, the community and connecting people with others to create better opportunities for all. They also have a multi agency drop in hub for whole community with information on activities and support available borough wide. Click here to visit the website
Re:fresh and Wellbeing Service
The Wellbeing Service supports people to improve their health and wellbeing through tailored support programmes. Their coaches deliver physical activity and falls prevention sessions, as well as wider health improvement support to boost quality of life and independence.
They provide one-to-one support to help people make positive lifestyle changes including moving more, eating well, managing stress, improving sleep, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol.
They also offer free community-based NHS Health Checks at events- keep an eye out for these at community events Click here to visit the website
Read about some of the local people they have supported here: Active Living – Be Well BWD
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service provides wide‑ranging practical, emotional and social support for older adults and the people who care for them. Through a variety of friendly groups, peer support opportunities, respite options and community activities, the service helps carers stay connected, informed and supported. Click here to visit their website.
Newground Together at the Shadsworth Hub
Shadsworth Hub is home to a wide range of community activities and groups. They provide free activities and support for local residents. These include community gardening groups, physical activities such as Pilates, boxercise and short walks, support into employment and training, plus they hold weekly drop in support for Together Housing tenants and can help connect residents with the appropriate housing service.
Click here to visit their website – Shadsworth Hub – Newground Together
NHS Health Checks
The NHS Health Check is a check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It’s designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk. More information can be found here. More information can be found here
