• Age Friendly Network

    A strong voice for older people in North Yorkshire

    A group of six older adults, three men and three women, stand outside a stone building, smiling and chatting together on a sunny day with green hills in the background.

Get involved to help make a difference

We’re working with North Yorkshire Council to create a network that gives older people across the county an independent voice. Our goal is to build age friendly communities where everyone can live healthy, active and connected lives.

Together with our network members, we will talk to local service providers, share information, raise the issues that really matter and work to make change happen.

Join the network Right Right

By joining the network, you’ll help shape services and policies that matter most to older residents. Members can:

  • share views and raise issues with local decision makers
  • influence improvements in service delivery
  • stay informed about policy changes and opportunities
  • connect with others who care about creating inclusive communities.

Organisations can benefit too, with access to resources, training, funding opportunities and a platform to share best practice and news.

To find out more about the Network, have a quick look at our AFN leaflet or you can download the AFN leaflet here.

Watch our animation to find out more

Become an Age Friendly Ambassador

We’re looking for friendly faces to get a bit more involved with the network. As a local resident or someone who represents a community group, you don’t need special experience – just a little time and a passion for giving older residents a voice.

As one of our ambassadors, you’ll:

  • share updates and resources
  • raise issues that matter
  • connect with others in your community.

Interested? Express an interest in becoming an AFN ambassador here and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.

A warm welcome to our first Ambassadors

We’re excited to welcome six new volunteers who are keen to support the network as Age Friendly Ambassadors. Over the coming months, they’ll be supporting and speaking up for older people across North Yorkshire. As the friendly faces of the network – they’ll be sharing updates and resources, raising issues that matter to older residents and building connections within local communities.

After the first meeting with the new Ambassador team, North Yorkshire Councillor Caroline Dickinson talked a bit about why this is a big moment for the network.

Upcoming meetings

Network meetings are open to all members and anyone interested in joining. They’re a chance to learn about key issues, share views and meet organisations working with older people. Watch this space for details of our next event.

Network newsletter

As a member, you will receive our regular newsletter, packed with news and information on service developments, campaign days and much more.

Join us on Facebook

We also have a dedicated page on Facebook where we share news and views from the Network and other trusted partners. Follow us to keep up to date with Network activities.

Logo with abstract figures in green, grey, blue, and brown forming a circular shape, next to blue text: AGE FRIENDLY NETWORK. Below, brown text reads: A Voice for North Yorkshire—a senior network supporting an age-friendly community.

What is an age friendly community?

An age friendly community is one that recognises the diverse needs of people as they grow older and works to create environments where everyone can live well at every stage of life.

Guided by the World Health Organisation, age friendly communities focus on improving everyday aspects of community life:

  • safe, accessible outdoor spaces and transport
  • suitable housing
  • inclusive activities
  • respectful attitudes
  • opportunities to work or volunteer
  • clear communication, and
  • strong community and health support.

Together, these elements help ensure that older people can remain active, connected and valued members of their community.

Latest Age Friendly Network news

Eight women, Age Friendly Ambassadors, stand in a row outside a building on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. Casually dressed, they appear to be part of an age friendly team on a stone paved pavement.

A warm welcome to our first Age Friendly Ambassadors

April 16, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks

International Day of Older People: Recognising the value of age

September 26, 2025/by Rachael Gillbanks

Age Without Limits Day – a campaign we’re passionate about

June 11, 2025/by Rachael Gillbanks

Our other networks

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Finance forum

Four people sit around a table in a cosy café, discussing papers and charts. Laptops, notebooks, and juice bottles are on the table. They appear engaged in a friendly conversation or meeting.

Community business network

Four older adults sit around a table in a bright room, smiling and talking. They have papers, a laptop, and coffee mugs in front of them, appearing engaged in a friendly meeting or discussion.

Volunteer coordinators network

A quaint stone village hall with a green roof sign, warm glowing windows, and an open door. A bicycle leans on the wall, and potted plants sit by the entrance, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Community buildings network

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