Age UK London

About the charity

Age UK London, formerly Age Concern London, works for the rights and issues of the 1.9 million older people living in the capital, campaigning tirelessly to ensure that the voice and needs of older people are represented.  We work closely with Age UK branches based in each London borough – 32 independent bodies – and tea dances are just one of the services offered in the many resource centres based all around London.

Tea dances are important as they provide safe, special social occasions for a very widely diverse range of older people who attend them, some of whom might otherwise have little to look forward to.  They provide benefits on many levels, contributing to mental and physical well-being and playing a part towards healthy aging.   One couple met at a tea dance held four years ago at an Age UK resource centre in East London and are hoping to marry this year; he is in his 80s and she in her 70s.      

Those people in our film were all members of Age UK Westminster’s state of the art Harris Centre.  The Harris Centre provides freshly cooked lunches, silver surfers clubs, hairdressing, massage, training of various types as well as friendship and support for its many members who live locally and attend on a daily or less frequent basis.  The oldest member is a sprightly 105 years old; she officially opened the Centre in 2009 on her birthday.  Frank who “stars” in our film (along with Bond Girl Valerie Leon, ambassador of Age UK London), attends the Harris Centre regularly.