Our Voices Were Heard

How can we be a more age-friendly society?

Our Voices Were Heard aims to engage older residents in the Newcastle areas of Kenton and Fawdon in a piece of community theatre that helps to create a more age-friendly society.

Inspired by our previous project Celebrating Age, delivered in partnership with The Elders Council of Newcastle, we will take the themes, ideas, and priorities outlined in the age-friendly manifesto developed by our team of co-creators and use them to inspire a new production.

Recognising that the punk generation of the 1970s is now in their 60s and within the Elders Council's remit, we will use the spirit of punk as a key engagement tool. This approach will add a dynamic and rebellious edge to our creative process.

A steering group of older people, including members from the Elders Council's Active Voice group, will co-design the creative process. They will shape community engagement plans, design activities, and contribute their ideas through weekly sessions, ensuring that the project is genuinely led by and for older people.

The Our Voices Were Heard performance – delivered as part of The International Day of Older People - will encourage audiences to rethink how society perceives and treats older people, exploring experiences of ageism through a creative and rebellious lens.

Creative Team

Director
Annie Rigby

Producer
Midge Ryall

Graphic Design
Wayne Gamble

Marketing Manager
Victoria Sanderson