BASINGSTOKE’S premier theatre has teamed up with a national campaign to encourage older residents to go to the theatre.

Anvil Arts, the trust which runs The Anvil is one of the first national cultural organisations to have adopted the Family Arts Campaign’s new Age-Friendly Standards.

Age-Friendly Standards provide specific guidance on welcoming older people and displaying this new kitemark affirms that the organisation has considered the needs of older visitors.

The scheme aims to address five key issues in welcoming older audiences. This is done by building relationships, considering suitable programming, providing appropriate facilities, communicating appropriately and providing a warm welcome.

The opportunity for arts and culture to play a role in enhancing quality of life for older people is further reflected in Age UK’s 2017 Index of Wellbeing in Later Life which reports ‘creative and cultural participation’ to be the most prominent indicator to wellbeing in later life.

Anvil Arts said it prides itself on the exemplary welcome provided for older members of the community and that adopting these standards sends a clear message that they are