Over 50s Morning Drop-In

Our Over 50’s Drop-In is a friendly, welcoming space designed to reduce social isolation, support wellbeing and help older adults feel connected, valued and supported within their community.

Held once a month, the sessions offer a relaxed and inclusive environment where people can enjoy good company, practical support and a nourishing start to the day, with no booking required.

What happens at the Over 50’s Drop-In sessions?

Each drop-in provides:

• ☕ Free hot breakfast
• 🍊 Tea, coffee and refreshments
• 🎲 Games, crafts and gentle activities
• 🤝 Friendly conversation and peer connection
• 🚶‍♂️ Drop-in access, just turn up

Sessions are informal and supportive, allowing people to attend at their own pace, whether they want to chat, take part in activities or simply enjoy being around others.

Health, wellbeing and extra support

Alongside social connection, Sunrise‘s Over 50s Drop-In also acts as a gateway to health and wellbeing support. We regularly invite partner organisations to attend, including Age UK, who provide information, advice and signposting around:

• Health and wellbeing
• Benefits and entitlements
• Loneliness and social support
• Access to local services

At selected sessions, we have also offered free flu jabs, helping older residents protect their health and reduce the risk of serious illness during winter months.

We were delighted to deliver our third successful Over 50’s Drop-In, continuing to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive space for older adults in Banbury.

This session brought together health support, creativity, food and social connection – all under one roof in a trusted community setting.

🤝 Working in Partnership

We were pleased to welcome a number of valued partners:

• Louisa from Buck Healthcare (NHS Trust) who delivered on-site flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks, as well as providing individual healthcare advice.
• Helen Fountain from Age UK, offering information, guidance and support for older adults.
• Benazir Shakkir and Zoe Terry from Glebefields Care Home, who provided advice, signposting, surveys and invitations to their community café.
• We were also honoured by a visit from Sir Tony Baldry, High Steward of Banbury and former long-serving MP, who came to see the impact of the session and speak with attendees.

Providing access to healthcare and advice within a familiar, community-based environment helps reduce barriers and supports early intervention.

🎨 Activities & Community Engagement

The session included:

• Clay modelling and paper crafts
• Board games including chess
• Informal social time and peer conversation
• Hot refreshments and a vegetarian full English breakfast

The creative activities encouraged conversation and confidence-building, while games promoted cognitive engagement and friendly interaction. Sharing a hot breakfast created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging attendees to stay, connect and build new friendships.

💬 What Participants Said

Sir Tony Baldry, High Steward of Banbury:

“I think this is a really good facility,  a great location, right in the heart of town, with easy access for everyone. It’s a fantastic community resource. It’s lovely to see people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and ages coming together for a meal, conversation, games and a real sense of belonging. I think it’s a great initiative. To be able to get basic health checks here is fantastic.”

O (First-Time Attendee):

“It was my first time coming to the Over 50’s Drop-In. I had a great time mixing with so many different people from different cultures and experiencing such a strong sense of community.”

L (Attendee):

 “I have had a lovely morning. I had a vegetarian full English breakfast, there were lots of people here, and I’ve had a really nice time.”

S (Attendee):

“This is such a great drop-in. I’ve really enjoyed the breakfast and meeting other people.”

Our Over 50s Drop-In continues to play an important role in reducing social isolation, improving access to preventative healthcare and strengthening community cohesion. By bringing together partners, volunteers and older residents, we are building a space where people feel valued, supported and connected.

Why this group matters

Many people over 50 experience loneliness, reduced mobility, health challenges or barriers to accessing information and services.

Our drop-in tackles this by:

• Creating a safe, welcoming social space
• Reducing isolation and loneliness
• Improving mental wellbeing and confidence
• Helping people stay informed and supported
• Building friendships and community belonging

Feedback from attendees shows the sessions are valued not just for the food and activities, but for the sense of warmth, routine and connection they bring.

When and where is the Over 50’s Drop-In

• 📅 Every third Tuesday of the month
• ⏰ 10:00am – 11:30am
• 📍 Britannia Road Children’s Centre, Banbury (OX16 5DN)

The sessions are free to attend and open to anyone aged 50+.