Tulip Siddiq MP says Hampstead hub for older people is a wonderful resource

On 1 October Henderson Court in Hampstead celebrated its 50 birthday and International Day of Older Persons. Nearly 100 guests enjoyed a performance from Bolder Voices choir, a photography exhibition looking back over 50 years in NW3 and speeches from Tulip Siddiq MP and Siobhan Baillie, Councillor for Frognal and Fitzjohns ward.

Tulip Siddiq MP said: “I’ve known Henderson Court for a very long time. I grew up in Frognal Gardens five minutes walk away.

“You can walk past Henderson Court and not know how much goes on until you come inside. Then you see how many people use this place not just to socialise but to enjoy classes such as pottery, sewing and dance. It’s a really lovely resource to have especially when people are living longer.

“If you happen to live in Hampstead you will live longer and that’s a good thing, we want people to live longer, but we want to make sure they have all the resources available to look after them.

“The Friends of Henderson Court is an effective way for people in the area to support this wonderful resource for the next 50 years.”

Siobhan Baillie said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here and celebrate with Age UK Camden. Fifty years is a stonkingly long time to be providing care and such a wide variety of services for older people in the area.

“It’s really important that we can keep people coming here, to signpost its services, and to keep it alive and vibrant.

“I’m also going to champion Friends of Henderson Court, to make sure many people as possible know about it. You can find it on the Age UK website and pick up a leaflet here.”

The event was held to celebrate and raise awareness of the work the centre does to help older people live independent, enjoyable and fulfilling lives and to launch Friends of Henderson Court. This new scheme is a way for potential supporters to enjoy a range of benefits while supporting older people in their community.

The centre offers a range of activities including yoga, music appreciation, dancing, digital inclusion and day trips. It’s a much loved resource in Hampstead, a place where friendships are enjoyed and a real sense of community is experienced for many older people who may otherwise be isolated and alone.

Henderson Court is one of the services provided by Age UK Camden, alongside befriending, counselling, advice and much more.

For further information and images please contact Emma Doyle: emma.doyle@ageukcamden/020 7239 0400