About us

The Wakefield District Centre for Positive Ageing (CPA)

The Centre for Positive Ageing (CPA) is a hub for connection, learning, and action — where older people, families, professionals, and community partners come together to shape and lead a more age-friendly Wakefield District.

Developed by Age UK Wakefield District, in collaboration with our partners, the CPA builds on over 30 years of local experience supporting and working with older people and carers. With deep community roots and as part of the wider Age UK network, we bring trusted experience, local knowledge, and a shared commitment to strengthening the places we live, work, and age.

The CPA is built on partnership and possibility. We work alongside people of all ages to amplify voices, connect strengths, and challenge ageism wherever it exists — ensuring that later life is not only supported but celebrated. Through opportunities for learning, collaboration, and influence, we aim to ensure that older people have real choice, independence, and visibility in shaping their communities, while recognising that all generations have knowledge and experience to share.

Our Partners News

Why the Centre for Positive Ageing (CPA)?

While Age UK Wakefield District has long supported older people, the CPA was established to create a district-wide partnership platform that goes beyond a single organisation. It enables residents, community groups, employers, and public services to work together on positive ageing in a co-produced, inclusive, and strategic way.

CPA acts as a convenor, knowledge hub, and influencer, connecting partners, sharing learning, and promoting age-friendly practices across the district. By operating under the CPA banner, Age UK Wakefield can amplify its impact, foster collaboration, and drive systemic change that benefits everyone, rather than delivering initiatives alone.

Community Voice What’s on

How does CPA support Age UK Wakefield District’s mission?

CPA complements Age UK’s mission by:

Extending influence into policy, workplaces, and community planning.
Strengthening Age UK’s position as a thought leader and convener.
Creating measurable outcomes in positive ageing that benefit the whole of the Wakefield district, enhancing Age UK’s visibility and impact indirectly.

What benefits does CPA provide that wouldn’t be possible under the Age UK name alone?

CPA enables:

Co-production: Residents and partners can collaborate openly in shaping programmes.
Cross-sector engagement: Employers, public services, and voluntary organisations can participate without feeling it’s a charity-led initiative.
Innovation & flexibility: CPA can pilot new approaches, test employer standards, and host research activities with a neutral, district-wide identity.

How does CPA relate to Age UK Wakefield District?

CPA is initiated and hosted by Age UK Wakefield District, but it operates as a partnership platform. This approach:

Maintains the credibility and expertise of Age UK Wakefield District.
Allows other organisations to contribute equally, without appearing to be “led by a single charity.”
Strengthens collective impact by focusing on district-wide outcomes, not just charity-specific objectives.

What is the main purpose of creating CPA?

CPA exists to:

Convenor role: Bring together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, resources, and best practice.
Influence: Advocate for age-friendly policies, workplaces, and communities across the district.
Knowledge hub: Act as a central point for research, learning, and evidence-based action on positive ageing.

These roles are broader than the traditional service delivery focus of Age UK, enabling CPA to lead systemic change rather than just direct support.

Why not just use the Age UK Wakefield District name for these initiatives?

While Age UK Wakefield District is a trusted and established organisation, the CPA provides a distinct, partnership-focused platform specifically designed to coordinate positive ageing initiatives across the district. It allows multiple partners—residents, community organisations, employers, and public services—to engage under a neutral, collaborative banner, fostering a sense of shared ownership and inclusivity beyond a single charity’s remit.

News & Updates

About us

How does CPA support Age UK Wakefield District’s mission?

What benefits does CPA provide that wouldn’t be possible under the Age UK name alone?

How does CPA relate to Age UK Wakefield District?

What is the main purpose of creating CPA?

Why not just use the Age UK Wakefield District name for these initiatives?

News & Updates

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