Linking Up Older People in Littleport – Blog Post #24
Published on 1st October 2025 with the help of guest contributor Kathryn Buck (Community Link Worker for Older People, Littleport in East Cambs)
Meet Kathryn Buck. Kathryn is the Community Link Worker for Older People in the small fenland town of Littleport. The town has a higher percentage of older residents than many, in part due to a number of care homes and supported living provisions. Following an initial two-year funding grant from Cambridgeshire County Council in 2020, the role proved so valuable it was made permanent.
“I have been in the role since it started – which was during Covid times. The main elements of the role centred around the Community Link Worker becoming a lynch pin within the community for our older residents (aged 65 years and over); the ‘go to’ trusted person for information and linking residents and their families to relevant support and social opportunities.”
Early on, Kathryn chatted with local residents about what mattered to them: “Loneliness, a sense of purpose and wanting to make a contribution featured highly in some focused conversations with a number of our older residents.”
It is well known that loneliness and isolation can contribute to physical and cognitive decline in older people, so a huge part of Kathryn’s role is helping people find out about and access opportunities to get moving and find social connection. This provides a sense of belonging as they become part of a lively and supportive community. Warmth and familiarity is apparent at the many Littleport groups and there is at least one activity every day of the week, meaning residents can benefit from social connections forged over many cups of tea, improved mobility from movement to music, or the cognitive boost of a quiz, board game or craft activity.
Here are some of the activities and services that Kathryn has developed in partnership with the community in Littleport:
· The establishment of a befriending scheme in 2020 with the support group of local volunteers.
· Prompted by a lockdown request from an older resident, the creation of a ‘What’s On in Littleport for Older Residents’ information leaflet that is now much used and appreciated.
· ‘World Wellbeing Week’ celebrations that involve the whole community. Local groups put on something extra special for this week, there are talks and support drop-ins, local cafes get involved, as well as care homes, schools, and the leisure centre.
· Quarterly carers wellbeing events attended by the local medical centre staff and representatives from Alzheimer’s UK.
· Occasions that recognise and celebrate older people – for example, International Day of Older People in October, with tea and scones, some music and other treats.
· Signposting residents and their families to organisations, services and activities – whether via social media or physically taking posters around to venues in the area.
· Practical support such as form filling for attendance allowance or blue badges.
· The Littleport Community Singers, meeting on Thursdays from 5.15pm to 7pm, and performing throughout the year – a lovely, diverse community spanning generations, who enjoy getting together to sing.
Kathryn goes on to say “My role wouldn’t be what it is without the support and friendship of volunteers – whether they are befriending older residents or helping to organise social events. We are fortunate to have a very committed group of them in Littleport, some of whom have been befrienders since the early days of my role.”
As is common across the county, especially in rural areas, Kathryn says transport remains a challenge for many older residents: “We are now benefiting from the services of Dial-A-Ride for social outings and we do pick up some members who come to the events I organise – but it’s a problem everywhere, sadly.”
Kathryn rounds up by explaining “By developing strong relationships and networks within the community and with external organisations, plus keeping tabs on what’s going on locally for older people, my role has enabled me to make a positive contribution in many ways and I feel very privileged.” Kathryn acknowledges the ongoing support of Littleport Lions and The Field Theatre Group.
Lucky Littleport having such an energetic and supportive Community Link Worker! If you would like to find out about local services and support for older people in your Cambridgeshire & Peterborough district, take a look on this link: How Are You Cambridgeshire and Peterborough | Older People and for local activities, there’s lots of inspiration in the Activities section of each district website on this link: https://haycambspboro.co.uk/
#HelpingYouLookAfterYou
