Ageing in place pathfinder celebrates lasting legacy in Stalybridge

A three-year project dedicated to improving the lives of older people in Tameside has celebrated its success with an event highlighting the lasting legacy it leaves behind in Stalybridge.

The Ageing in Place Pathfinder, launched by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), was designed to ensure the voices of older residents are heard and valued within their communities. Across Greater Manchester, there are nine Pathfinder areas, with the Tameside project focused on Ridge Hill in Stalybridge and led by Jigsaw Support, part of Jigsaw Homes Group.

Over the past three years, the initiative has brought together a network of partners - including The Big Local, Action Together, TMBC Population Health, and Jigsaw Support - alongside local residents to create meaningful and lasting change for the health and wellbeing of older people and the wider community.

Residents have taken part in a wide range of activities, from digital skills training and exercise classes to cookery courses, social events, and even producing a community newsletter.

This week, partners and residents gathered at the Ridge Hill community hub to celebrate their achievements and look to the future.

Among the standout accomplishments of the project are:

• Formation of Ridgehill Together CIO: A new Charitable Incorporated Organisation has been established to continue and build upon the work of Ageing in Place and The Big Local. The CIO will ensure the community’s voice remains central to future developments.
• Health and Wellbeing Innovations: With £10,000 funding from the GMCA Live Well programme, six local residents have been trained as Health Care Champions to help bring NHS and community health services closer to local people.
• Outdoor Places and Spaces: Community-led environmental projects have transformed Ridge Hill’s green spaces, with 147 memorial and edible trees planted, age-friendly planters introduced, and more than 50 jars of honey produced from local hives.
• Cycling for All: A bike repair scheme and bike library have enabled dozens of residents to access affordable and sustainable transport. The upcoming ‘Trishaw’ project, part of the international Cycling Without Age movement, will soon offer older residents the chance to enjoy the outdoors with the help of volunteer cyclists.
• Creative Community Spirit: Music has played a key role in bringing residents together through the creation of the ‘Song for Ridge’, developed in partnership with Tameside Council’s Music Service.

The achievements of Ageing in Place have been widely praised by local councillors, health leaders, and community champions. Moving forward, Ridgehill Together CIO will take on the mantle to continue this work, supported by partners including the Jigsaw Foundation, GMCA, and local voluntary groups.

Cllr John Taylor, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s incredible to see the positive difference Ageing in Place Pathfinder has made in Ridge Hill in just three years. By working in partnership with residents and as organisations, we can truly make a difference in our communities. This project is a powerful example of creating strong and connected communities, where people are supported to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives in the place they call home.”

Local resident and volunteer Christine added: “There’s no need for people to sit at home bored. Our hub door is always open for a cup of tea and a slice of toast. It’s a great, welcoming place to come.”

Phil Brooke, Jigsaw Support’s Ageing in Place Community Engagement Worker, said: “We are proud of what has been achieved together. The partnerships, projects, and new organisation we have built will ensure Ridge Hill continues to thrive as a place where people of all ages can live well and age well. It was really fitting that this year’s theme for the International Day of Older People was ‘Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections’ as this perfectly reflected the spirit of the Ageing in Place initiative and the community’s commitment to building a more connected, healthy, inclusive Ridge Hill.”