Celebrating older people and supporting mental health in Andover
The Andover Over 55s People’s Forum (AOPF) has received a £290 grant from Winton ward councillors to help fund a community event focused on improving mental health for older residents.
Held on 2 October at Andover Community Church, the “Full of Life” event marked the International Day for Older People. It brought together more than 20 local organisations, including Andover Mind and NHS professionals, to share practical advice and support around dementia, depression, and wellbeing.
The event was organised by Mollie Antrobus, a long-standing advocate for older people in Test Valley. Mollie said; “We know how important it is to talk about mental health, especially as we get older.
“This event helped people feel seen, heard and supported. We’re proud to have created a space where people could connect, learn and feel better about themselves.”
The Full of Life event created a warm and welcoming space where older residents could come together, share experiences and feel part of something bigger. For many, it was a chance to break the cycle of loneliness and connect with others facing similar challenges. By encouraging open conversations around mental health and offering practical support, the event helped build a stronger sense of community and showed how local action can make a real difference to individual lives.
The grant, awarded earlier this year by Winton ward councillors Alex Gillies and Lisa Matthews, helped cover venue hire and printing costs for posters and programmes.
Cllr Alex Gillies said; “This is a brilliant example of community-led action. Mollie and the AOPF team have created something that’s not only informative but genuinely uplifting. We’re proud to support their work.”
Cllr Lisa Matthews added; “Mental health affects us all, and it’s vital that older people know where to turn for help. This event brought people together and made a real difference. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”
The AOPF is now looking for more volunteers to help with future events and outreach. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact andover.opf@gmail.com.