Age Alive was created in 2008 as part of the Welsh Government’s Community First initiative by a group of people from the community, led by Leanne Teichner. The aim of the Communities First initiative was to develop partnerships between the community, statutory and business sectors in order to tackle poverty in the most deprived areas of Wales.

In 2008 the BME Communities First Partnership began in Newport, hosted jointly between GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) and Newport City Council, with line management involvement from SEWREC. The BME Partnership was set up to bring communities together, to act as a voice for the BME community in Newport, and to work with partners to tackle poverty.

A member of the BME Communities First Partnership, Leanne Taylor, conducted research to identify the needs of the BME community who were over 50 years old. The results from this research were pivotal in the establishment of Age Alive’s BME 50+ network.

Age Alive aims to develop the capacity and skills of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people over 50 years old of socially disadvantaged communities in Newport and District, in such a way that they are empowered to be able to identify and help meet their own needs and to help get their voices heard within the community. Additionally, the organisation aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, build confidence, and bring people together. To achieve this, the organisation provides opportunities such as creative writing, performing arts, story-telling, choir singing, handcrafts, walking, swimming, healthy eating sessions, and exercise classes. These activities enable members of the group to participate more fully in society as well as bring people together from different cultural backgrounds, allowing members to share with each other their rich, cultural heritages and experiences. Although aimed at BME people, you do not need to be BME to take part in Age Alive’s activities and events as the group is open for all older people over 50.

Age Alive became a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 12^th April 2017.

Age Alive is an independent group run by a volunteer committee of members, for the benefit of people in the local community.

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Chairperson/Trustee – Roy Grant

Secretary/Trustee – Rakhel Smith

Treasurer/Trustee – Bilquis Chohan

Social Secretary/Trustee – Yasmin Jethwa

Committee member – May Laida

Committee member – Jahanara Kahn