Older shoppers in Arnold urged to take a seat

A new scheme to give elderly and disabled shoppers a resting place while visiting Arnold town centre has been launched.  

20 shops in the town centre have now signed up to support the scheme being run by Nottinghamshire County Council – joining around 300 businesses and other organisations across the county

The concept is a simple one: by displaying the We are Age Friendly sticker, businesses are providing reassurance  to older people and people with a disability or chronic illness that they will be offered a seat when they go inside – should they need to rest. Many shops will also offer a drink and, if accessible, use of their toilet facilities.

A third of older people are identified as lonely, with many losing independence because they find it increasingly difficult to walk from their home to local shops and community venues without the reassurance that there will be somewhere warm and comfortable for them to rest.

The take-a-seat scheme was first launched in Beeston in May 2018, and is now supported by businesses in town centres across Nottinghamshire, including Ruddington, Newark, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield.

The Arnold scheme was launched at the Lighthouse Charity Shop in Front Street.

Councillor John Handley, Vice-Chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Simple initiatives like the take a seat scheme can really make a difference to people’s lives by helping them to be more socially active and less susceptible to feelings of loneliness and depression.

“We are passionate about helping older people stay independent and connected to their communities and we encourage more shops and businesses to sign up to promote their great service for older customers. Signing up is free of charge for businesses – all we ask is that they take measures to make their premises more age-friendly, including providing seating for older or disabled people, regardless of whether they are customers or not.”