Later Life Hub Launch & Summer Fair

Saturday 19th July saw a fantastic celebration of community, connection, and support for older people in Bristol as the Later Life Hub was officially launched at the St Peter’s Church Summer Fair in Henleaze.

The fair was a vibrant and joyful occasion, bringing together people of all ages. With over 30 stalls spread across the church hall and grounds, the event was bustling with life from start to finish. Visitors enjoyed everything from homemade cakes, jams, and garden plants to handcrafted goods, books, and produce. There was live music, friendly faces, and an unmistakable atmosphere of warmth and goodwill.

At the heart of the day was the launch of the Later Life Hub, a dedicated space within St Peter’s Church offering year-round support and information for older people, their families, and carers. The hub has been developed in collaboration with the Later Life Alliance, a partnership of local charities working together to improve the lives of older people in Bristol.

The Summer Fair included information stands from the four core Later Life Alliance charities:

  • BRACE Dementia Research

  • Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA)

  • Age UK Bristol

  • Alive Activities

These organisations are not only based in the Hub but are active contributors to its programme of support. The charities were on hand to answer questions, share resources, and speak to members of the public about everything from dementia awareness and carer support to activity programmes and local services. Thanks to the generosity of those attending the fair, donations raised on the day will help support the work of all four charities.

Music, Movement, and Cake: FAB Café Hits the Right Note

The launch celebrations didn’t stop at the fair. Earlier in the week, the FAB Café - a regular fixture at St Peter’s offering friendship, activities, and biscuits - played host to a fabulous morning concert from the FAB Twins, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the week.

With over 80 people in attendance, the church was filled with energy, laughter, and the sound of music as the FAB Twins sang classic favourites that had everyone clapping, singing along and even dancing in the aisle. It was an uplifting event that brought a real sense of joy and togetherness.

Delicious homemade cakes and biscuits were served alongside hot drinks, and donations helped raise nearly £400 for Age UK Bristol. The success of the event shows how much appetite there is in the local area for activities that bring people together in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

What the Later Life Hub Offers

The Later Life Hub is now open and available to everyone in the community. It serves as a central point for information, support, social events, and practical advice for those in later life - whether you're navigating care, managing long-term conditions, planning your finances, or just looking for ways to stay connected.

The Hub provides:

  • Drop-in advice sessions with friendly experts.

  • Signposting to local services and charities.

  • Workshops and talks on topics like wellbeing, dementia, legal planning, and more.

  • Fun and engaging group activities such as café mornings, arts and crafts, and social events.

  • A welcoming space for connection, rest, and conversation.

The Hub is already proving to be a valuable and well-used resource, helping older people and their families feel supported, informed, and less alone.

Free Financial Advice – Starting in September

As part of our contribution to the Later Life Hub, Harold Stephens is delighted to offer free financial advice drop-in sessions from Wednesday 10th September, running every Wednesday morning from 9:00 – 10:30am.

These informal sessions are designed to give people an easy way to ask questions and get guidance on financial matters such as care planning, inheritance tax, pensions, powers of attorney, and more. No booking is required - just turn up and we’ll be happy to help.

The brilliant FAB Café takes place immediately afterwards from 10:30am – 12:00pm. Whether you fancy a cuppa and a chat, want to enjoy some homemade cake, or simply connect with others in the community, it’s a relaxed and friendly space to spend time.

A Community Effort with Heart

The launch of the Later Life Hub has shown what’s possible when local people, charities, and organisations come together with a shared vision: to make later life in Bristol more supported, more connected, and more joyful.

We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make the Summer Fair and launch week such a success - from the volunteers and cake bakers to the musicians, stallholders, and everyone who came along and gave so generously.

But this is just the beginning. The Hub is here to be used - so come and see what’s happening, get involved, and help spread the word to those who might benefit.

If you want to know more about the Hub, please don’t hesitate to contact me: community@haroldstephens.co.uk / 0117 3636 212.

Amy Wood