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Newport and District BME 50+ Network – Championing Diversity.
Age Alive is an independent group run by a volunteer committee of members, for the benefit of people in the local community.
We currently run a number of activities for the benefit of our members. Please take a look at our ‘What’s On?’ page to see our current activities and events.
We promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people (in particular, but not exclusively, socially disadvantaged minority ethnic people over the age of 50 years) from becoming socially excluded, by relieving the needs of those people who are excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
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 12th 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
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 a BME 50+ network.
Roy became Chair in 2008 and started the process to transform the network. In 2011, the Age Alive brand was adopted as it became necessary for the network to gain its own identity.
Age Alive became a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 12th April 2017.
We are an independent group run by a volunteer committee of members, for the benefit of people in the local community.
Roy Grant
Chairperson &Trustee
Rakhel Smith
Secretary & Trustee
Bilquis Chohan
Treasurer & Trustee
Yasmin Jethwa
Social Secretary & Trustee
May Laida
Committee member
Jahanara Kahn
Committee member
Age Alive is a registered charity which aims to provide activities and opportunities in particular, but not exclusively for, BME 50+ people in Newport, Wales.