An Age-friendly initiative has launched in Bournemouth town centre with a microgrant scheme for local businesses

The project comprises a range of initiatives, including a business charter, staff training, a seating scheme, and grant funding, all aimed at improving the experience of over-55s in the town centre.

At the launch event, held on Wednesday April 23 at Patch, the co-working space inside Bobby’s in Bournemouth, attendees from local businesses heard that 41% of the population in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) is aged 50+ and the number of over 50s will rise by 10% by 2031. 

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said:

Among the announcements made at Wednesday’s event was the launch of a new microgrant scheme. Funded by the Centre for Ageing Better, the scheme enables levy-paying businesses within the Bournemouth Town Centre BID area to apply for grants between £150 and £500 to fund changes that benefit older customers – such as improving access, updating signage and communication materials, or running intergenerational events. 

Dr Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, said:

We welcome Bournemouth Town Centre’s initiative to become age-friendly and are delighted to be working with them to help more places across the country learn from their example

The microgrant application window opened on Wednesday, April 23, and will close on Friday May 23. Up to 20 businesses will be awarded funding, which will be distributed in July and must be spent by the end of October 2025.

But even before this microgrant scheme takes effect, visitors to Bournemouth Town Centre will notice some immediate changes with the launch of the Age Friendly Bournemouth ‘Take A Seat’ Campaign.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID helped to provide three Chesterfield-style chairs, being placed in participating businesses in the coming weeks to create welcoming resting spots for older visitors, the first three being Bobby’s Beauty, Naked Coffee, Lansdowne, and Howden Insurance in The Triangle, with further locations to follow.

This comes alongside the Age Friendly Bournemouth Charter, which invites businesses to commit to supporting their older customers through an awareness of their needs and by making simple accommodations. Bournemouth Town Centre BID is also offering free age-friendly customer service training for BID levy payers, providing practical advice for serving older people more confidently and effectively. 

Both are already being adopted by town centre businesses, added Paul Kinvig:

“We’re inviting local businesses to be part of this journey, and the enthusiasm we’ve already seen is hugely encouraging.” 

Bournemouth Town Centre BID board member Rachel Woodward Carrick and author of Happy Silver People, who has spearheaded the ‘Take A Seat’ initiative, added:  

The programme has also emerged from BCP Council’s commitment to Age Friendly Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole – part of the Centre for Ageing Better's UK Network of Age Friendly Communities. The council is playing an active role ensuring the area meets the real needs of older residents and visitors. 

Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said:

“Through this work, and the Council’s wider Age Friendly Community projects, we’ve been able to create spaces where older residents and visitors can feel more confident, comfortable and included.

“It is great to be at this event and seeing such an enthusiastic response from businesses and I am looking forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months and years.” 

Businesses interested in applying for a microgrant can find information and the application form on the Bournemouth Town Centre BID website or email [email protected]