From Summer Picnic to Community Voice

60+ Voices of Hounslow began when older residents chose to stand up for themselves — to protect something that mattered, and to be heard.

HOW WE STARTED

It all began at our August summer picnic in Syon Park. Funding for weekly sessions was ending, and many of us faced the prospect of losing the classes that kept us moving, connected, and engaged.

During the picnic, a group of older residents made a decision: we would not wait for someone else to act. We would step forward, together, to keep our community alive.

In that moment, we realized something important: our needs as older people were often invisible. Our voices were rarely asked for or listened to. Instead, assumptions were made about our frailty, dependence, and isolation. We decided it was time to change that — to take control of what mattered to us.

 

PRESERVING OUR COMMUNITY

From that determination, 60+ Voices of Hounslow was born. Our focus has been:

  • Danehurst Community Hall – preserved as a pilot venue until March, giving participants continuity while long-term options are explored.

  • Heart of Hounslow – a free space offered through the NHS to meet community needs; not ideal, but close enough to replace Frogley House, which we lost. Sessions continue here for existing participants.

  • Bristol Court – tailored outreach for residents with additional needs, including sheltered housing.

  • Building governance – a committee of elected older residents ensures decisions reflect the community we serve.

At this stage, our priority is keeping sessions running, maintaining continuity for existing participants, and ensuring older residents still have a voice and a space.

OUR MISSION TODAY

60+ Voices exists to:

  • Keep older residents active, social, and connected

  • Provide a platform to speak, shape, and protect our community

  • Deliver accessible, safe, and meaningful sessions

  • Grow sustainably, rooted in participant leadership

We may be small, but every step we take is shaped by older residents refusing to be overlooked and refusing to let these sessions disappear.

GET INVOLVED

Whether you want to attend, volunteer, or support us, there’s a place for everyone.

 

HOW WE ARE RUN

Our organisation is built on the principle that older people should have a voice in decisions that affect their wellbeing and community life.

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

We are developing a clear and transparent governance structure with a committee made up of elected members from the community.

The committee currently includes:

  • Chair

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Committee Members

Committee members help guide the direction of the organisation, ensure accountability, and represent the interests of participants.

HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE

Key decisions about activities, venues, and development are made collectively by the committee, with input from participants and the wider community.

This ensures the 60+ Voices Hounslow remains community-led and responsive to the needs of older residents.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

  • transparent decision-making

  • responsible use of funds

  • safeguarding participants and volunteers

  • maintaining safe and inclusive activities

Appropriate policies and procedures are being developed as the 60+Voices grow.

We are currently in the early stages of building a sustainable community organisation. Our immediate focus is maintaining sessions for existing participants while strengthening governance, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

"It's great to be back... I've missed my classes so much during December"

Jemima - 85ys old member and participant