Helping Older People Stay Connected Across Bristol
At Harold Stephens, later life planning has always been about people, not just finances.
While we help individuals and families plan for retirement, care and the future, we know that wellbeing in later life is shaped by much more than money. Staying connected, having a sense of purpose, maintaining friendships and accessing the right support all play a huge role in living well.
Many of the people we meet tell us that what matters most is remaining independent, active and part of a community.
That is why our commitment goes beyond financial planning. We actively support and create initiatives that help strengthen Bristol’s later life community and leave a lasting positive impact.
Bringing Organisations Together: The Later Life Alliance
No one organisation can provide everything people need in later life.
That is why we helped bring together local professionals and organisations through the Later Life Alliance - creating a network focused on improving support and opportunities for older people across Bristol.
Together we have helped develop and support initiatives including:
- The Later Life Hub at St Peter's Church, Henleaze
- The Later Life Summer Fair
- Collaborative projects connecting support services and professionals
By bringing people together and sharing knowledge, we can create something far bigger than any organisation could achieve alone.
Supporting Local Causes Through Our Community Fund
Our Community Fund was created to support local organisations making a meaningful difference to older people, carers and local communities.
We have proudly supported organisations and initiatives including:
- Singing to Remember
- BRACE Dementia Research
- Alive Activities Carers' Gardening Group
- Footprints at Ebenezer Church
- Trinity Lunch Club
These organisations often provide essential support, companionship and opportunities that have a huge impact on people's lives.
Supporting them helps great work continue and reach even more people.
“I'd had a particularly challenging start to the week so it was lovely to 'leave it all behind' for a couple of hours and spend time in such a calming and peaceful setting and in a supportive environment.”
Participant from alive activities - support for carers
Commnity Events
Later life is about much more than financial planning. Staying active, connected, and involved in your local community can have a huge impact on wellbeing and quality of life.
Through our community work, we organise regular and one-off events designed to bring people together, share information, and help people discover the many opportunities available locally.
Our monthly Welcome Wednesday coffee afternoons provide a friendly, informal space to meet others, chat, and find out what’s happening in the Bristol community.
We know that finding out about activities, support, and opportunities isn’t always easy, which is why we share local information through our monthly e-newsletter. Each edition includes upcoming events, activities, and useful information to help people stay connected.
We run the Retired ∙ Inspired ∙ Bristol Facebook group which is used by local orgaisations and people to share information about events and activities - it's open to all to join!
Our aim is simple - to help create a stronger later life community where people feel informed, supported, and connected.