ElderFest will return bigger than ever this October, with three free events taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The events will help older residents discover local activities, services, support and opportunities available in their community.
Delivered through BCP Age Friendly Communities and local partners, ElderFest is inspired by this year's International Day of Older People theme, "What's on Your Doorstep?", bringing together local organisations, community groups and support services in one place.
Following the success of last year's ElderFest, which attracted more than 330 attendees in Christchurch, the programme is expanding across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for the first time. Events will begin in Poole on Thursday 1 October to coincide with the International Day of Older People, before continuing in Bournemouth and Christchurch later in October.
What to Expect
Information and advice from dozens of local organisations
Health and wellbeing support
Financial, benefits and energy advice
Community groups, clubs and volunteering opportunities
Support for carers and people living with dementia
Community transport information
Digital support and technology advice
Vaccination clinics (Flu and Covid vaccines at all ElderFest events)
A tech amnesty, where unwanted devices can be donated for reuse
Free refreshments at the Bournemouth and Christchurch events
Opportunities to make new connections and discover what's available locally
At the Bournemouth and Christchurch events, carers will also be able to make use of a dedicated quiet space where trained staff and volunteers can support the person they care for while they explore the event and speak with organisations offering advice and support.
Sandra Prudom, Chief Executive of Christchurch Community Partnership and Lead Partner of ElderFest said:
One of the most exciting things about ElderFest is the sheer variety of support available in one place. In Christchurch alone, we'll have more than 50 organisations attending, offering everything from community activities, transport and technology support to health and wellbeing advice. People can also speak with Health Sciences University chiropractic practitioners and students, who were incredibly popular last year.
Last year's event exceeded all our expectations. It was so popular that we ran out of tea and cake halfway through and had to send someone out for more. That's the kind of problem we're very happy to have!
Sue Warr, PramaLife Manager and Lead Partner for ElderFest, said:
Sometimes people don't know where to start when they're looking for help or information. ElderFest makes that easy by bringing everything together under one roof.
On the day, people can speak directly to organisations about wills and lasting powers of attorney, energy support, housing, care, caring responsibilities and much more. There will also be vaccination clinics, health and wellbeing information, digital support, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get trusted advice from local experts.
Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
So often people tell us they didn't realise how much was available locally until someone pointed them in the right direction. That's exactly what 'What's on Your Doorstep?' is all about.
ElderFest brings together the people, organisations and opportunities that help make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole great places to grow older. It's a chance to discover something new, make connections and find support that's closer to home than you might think.
I'd also like to thank the many organisations, volunteers and partners who make ElderFest possible. Their dedication helps create stronger, more connected communities across BCP.
Β ElderFest 2026 Events
Poole ElderFest: Thursday 1 October, 9am to 3pm at Gather Space, Dolphin Centre, Poole
Bournemouth ElderFest: Monday 12 October, 1.30pm to 4pm at Kinson Community Centre, Bournemouth
Christchurch ElderFest: Tuesday 27 October, 10am to 3pm at GodFirst Church, Christchurch
All events are free to attend. For full event details and updates, visit:
