On 11 July 2026, EMAGE CIC successfully delivered the second session of the Living Well, Ageing Well programme at Redbridge Central Library. The session focused on Active Ageing, Mobility and Fall Prevention and welcomed adults aged 50 years and over from a diverse range of communities, including Chinese, Indian Gujarati, Indian Sikh, Pakistani, Bengali, and Eastern European backgrounds. The interactive workshop highlighted the importance of maintaining strength, balance, flexibility, and confidence to support independent living and reduce the risk of falls. Participants took part in a series of gentle chair-based yoga and mobility exercises, designed to strengthen muscles, improve posture, enhance balance, and promote safe movement in everyday life. The exercises were suitable for individuals with varying levels of mobility, ensuring that everyone could participate comfortably and confidently. A unique feature of this session was the introduction of Sound Healing Therapy, an ancient wellbeing practice that uses vibration and frequency to promote deep relaxation and restore balance within the body and mind. Participants experienced soothing sounds produced by therapeutic instruments, creating a calming environment that encouraged relaxation, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional wellbeing. Many participants described feeling peaceful, refreshed, and more relaxed following the session. The sound healing experience was exceptionally well received, with participants expressing how beneficial they found the practice for reducing stress and improving their sense of wellbeing. Many requested that similar sessions be included regularly as part of future EMAGE wellbeing programmes, recognising the value of complementary approaches alongside physical activity. The session also encouraged participants from different cultural backgrounds to share their experiences of staying active within their own communities, promoting peer learning and social connection. The positive feedback highlighted the importance of delivering culturally inclusive, practical, and holistic health promotion activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing among older adults. This second session further strengthened EMAGE CIC’s commitment to empowering ethnically diverse older adults to live healthier, more active, and independent lives while fostering social inclusion and community engagement.

On 22 July 2026, EMAGE CIC delivered a Dementia Awareness and Early Help-Seeking workshop as part of our Living Well, Ageing Well programme. The session was facilitated by Dementia UK and brought together 11 participants from a range of diverse ethnic communities. Participants actively engaged throughout the workshop, taking part in discussions, asking questions, and sharing their experiences and perspectives. The session helped increase understanding of dementia, challenged common myths, highlighted the importance of recognising early signs, and provided information about the support available for individuals and families. The workshop was highly appreciated by all those who attended, with participants expressing increased confidence in discussing dementia and requesting that EMAGE organise more sessions on this important topic in the future.

On 25 July 2026, EMAGE CIC delivered the Financial Wellbeing and Cost-of-Living Support workshop as part of the Living Well, Ageing Well programme. The session was attended by 10 participants from a range of ethnic minority communities and provided practical guidance on budgeting, saving money, understanding available benefits, and reducing everyday living costs. The workshop was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing their own experiences. Attendees appreciated the practical advice and were pleased to learn new information that will help them make informed financial decisions and improve their financial wellbeing. The session was well received, with participants expressing interest in attending more workshops on financial wellbeing and other topics that support healthy and independent ageing.

On 29 July 2026, EMAGE CIC successfully delivered another session as part of the Living Well, Ageing Well project at Redbridge Central Library. The workshop on Mental Wellbeing, Loneliness and Emotional Resilience was facilitated by a trained mental wellbeing facilitator, providing a safe and supportive space for older adults aged 50+ to learn, reflect, and connect. Despite the exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures reaching 34°C, 13 participants attended the session, demonstrating their commitment to improving their health and wellbeing. The session was highly interactive, with participants openly sharing their personal experiences, challenges, and coping strategies related to loneliness, stress, and emotional wellbeing. Through group discussions and practical activities, participants explored ways to manage stress, improve their mood, build meaningful social connections, and strengthen their emotional resilience. Many commented that hearing others’ stories helped them realise they were not alone and encouraged them to seek support and stay connected with their communities. The session was warmly received, with participants appreciating the welcoming environment and the opportunity to learn practical techniques to support their mental wellbeing while connecting with others facing similar experiences. EMAGE CIC extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm and openness, and to our trained facilitator for delivering such an engaging and impactful session. Together, we continue to support healthier, happier, and more connected lives for older adults across our communities.

On 1 August 2026, EMAGE CIC successfully delivered an engaging Digital Inclusion session as part of the Living Well, Ageing Well project. The session was attended by 15 adults aged 50+ from diverse ethnic minority communities. The workshop was highly interactive, with participants openly sharing their experiences, concerns, and challenges when using digital technology. Many discussed their worries about online banking, mobile phones, and keeping up with rapidly changing technology. Participants learned how to recognise common fraud and scam attempts, protect their personal and financial information, identify warning signs of online scams, and take practical steps to stay safe while using digital services. The session also provided guidance on where to report scams and where to seek support if they believed they had been targeted. Following the workshop, VISION RCL provided practical one-to-one support, helping participants download the NHS App, create their accounts, and understand how to use its key features to access NHS services more confidently. The session was well received, with participants expressing increased confidence in using digital technology and a greater awareness of how to protect themselves from online fraud and scams.

On 5 August 2026, EMAGE CIC successfully delivered the final session of the first cycle of the Living Well, Ageing Well programme, titled “Healthy & Active Ageing: From Decline to Contribution.” The session encouraged participants to view ageing not as a period of decline, but as a stage of life filled with purpose, strengths, and opportunities to continue contributing to their families and communities. The workshop was highly interactive and participatory, with participants openly sharing their personal life experiences, challenges, and the valuable lessons they have learned throughout their lives. Through engaging discussions and activities, everyone reflected on their unique skills, strengths, and the positive impact they can continue to make in later life. Participants appreciated the opportunity to learn from one another in a supportive and welcoming environment, creating meaningful conversations and a strong sense of community. The session was very well received, with participants expressing that it had helped them think differently about ageing, recognise their own value, and feel more confident about staying active and engaged. Many left feeling inspired to make small positive changes to improve their wellbeing while continuing to contribute their knowledge, experience, and wisdom to others. At EMAGE CIC, we believe that healthy ageing is about maintaining purpose, connection, and confidence. This session marked a positive conclusion to the first cycle of the Living Well, Ageing Well programme, and we look forward to welcoming participants back for our upcoming sessions in the next cycle.