ICT Coaches Ltd
High quality coach hire, we have a fleet of vehicles ranging in size from 16 to 53 seats, all out vehicles are purchased new and we have the youngest fleet of coaches in Norfolk. Our customer service is second to none.
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Age UK Norwich Impact Report 2024/25 Marking 80 Years of Service
Age UK Norwich has today published its Impact Report 2024–2025, showcasing a year of growth, resilience and significant community impact as the charity approached its 80th anniversary.
The report reveals that during 2024–25, Age UK Norwich supported nearly 8,000 older people across its services (a 38% increase on the previous year), delivered 10,486 advice sessions, and secured £1.5 million for residents facing financial hardship. The CEO and Chair of Trustees foreword underscores the proven value of the charity’s preventative services. Independent findings estimate that £19 million is returned to society through reduced loneliness, improved health, financial stability and decreased pressure on statutory services.
The publication highlights how the charity’s services are making a difference in the city and county. Their Health Coaching service reducing frailty and fear of falling; Complex Community Support and Befriending services tackling isolation in one of England’s loneliest cities; and its Accredited Advice team responding to rising pensioner poverty and fuel hardship.
The year also marked significant progress in making Norwich an Age Friendly City. In partnership with Norwich City Council, Age UK Norwich secured official Age Friendly status from the Centre for Ageing Better and launched the State of Ageing in Norwich report, setting out priorities for housing, transport and tackling inequalities.
The charity, founded in 1945, celebrated their 80th year in 2025, with a week-long exhibition in the forum in August, but are clear about the challenges facing the city and county.
Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich, said:
“Norfolk has one of the oldest populations in the country – our response must match the scale of that challenge if we want to Norwich and Norfolk to be a place where our later life is filled with opportunity and independence. Unless we invest at scale in community and preventative services, we will continue to see the current trends of increasing frailty and disability, people leaving work due to their health and caring responsibilities, and shorter life expectancy.”
The Charity has set out clear recommendations to commissioners and policymakers:
- Plan to Scale preventative services that are proven to work.
- Invest in Prevention, shifting away from purely clinical responses.
- Fund the Intervention, directing resources to frontline community support.
- Empower Older Workers through Age Friendly employment practices.
- Bridge the Gap between services so people do not fall through departmental silos.
Alastair Roy, Chair of Trustees, said:
“The evidence of our charity impact is clear – from how we improve the lives of our clients, getting people get back to work or enjoying their later life, to the social and economic value we generate. Investing in community-based preventative services improves lives and reduces pressure on NHS and care services. We’ve been recognised nationally for our services – we now need to see that locally.”
The charity is inviting residents, partners and businesses to read the report, get involved and help shape the next chapter of the charity’s future.
Read the full report
The full Our Impact 2024–2025 report is available to download
Valentine’s Day 2026
Valentine’s Day is blooming and just over 3 weeks away!
As the calender edges closer to the most romantic day of the year. Love is in the air and so is the excitement for fresh, romantic flowers. Whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple “I Adore You” nothing captures the moment quite like a beautiful bouquet.
We at Arcade Florist are preparing for all your floral gifts and romantic jesters to your loved ones.
Add something a little extra like Chocolates, Teddies, Balloons, Petals, Valentine decorations and much more!!
Call 01493 843958 to arrange delivery and collection.
Still Got It: Breaking the Taboo on Sex After 50
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Age UK Norwich has announced that it is supporting an important national initiative called Still Got It to promote the release of Age UK’s first ever guide focused on sex, relationships and intimacy.
This comes as the Charity recognises a current lack of information and resources around the subject tailored to this age group, with Age UK’s latest research revealing one quarter of over 50s wish more information about sex in later life was available.
Age UK Norwich also hopes this new publication will help transform attitudes to ageing in Norwich and Norfolk and challenge the stigma that exists around this subject, by getting people to talk more about sex, relationships and intimacy as we get older.
Sex & intimacy:
Age UK’s research highlights that, despite three in five (59%) over 50s believing that a healthy sex life is important for a relationship at this age, 10 million (39%) feel uncomfortable discussing this.
Nearly half (47%) of over 50s feel that advertisers and brands ignore the sexual needs of people in their age bracket. This societal stigma has serious knock-on effects on how people in mid and later life are understood and accommodated for, even in healthcare settings. The research reveals that:
- 5 million (19%) over 50s think their sexual health needs are overlooked by their doctor or other medical professionals
- 1 million (15%) over 50s would be too embarrassed to go for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) test
- 9 million (15%) over 50s worry about their sexual health and wellbeing
Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer at Age UK Norwich, says: “This national initiative is so important because we’ve seen first-hand in Norwich how relationships formed later in life can flourish into something truly special, including marriage. That’s why we’re so pleased to be part of it, helping to spread this important message and signpost people to the new Age UK guide.”
The Still Got It initiative is supported by a range of credible experts, including TV presenter and dating expert, Anna Williamson, sex and relationship author and columnist, Tracey Cox, behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, and doctor and author, Dr Miriam Stoppard*.
Relationships and connections:
As Valentine’s Day draws closer, dating, relationships, love and self-love become hot topics and while, for some over 50s, the day passes like any other, for others, it’s action-packed.
Age UK’s research reveals that for 3.3 million (12%) over 50s, their ideal Valentine’s Day consist of getting intimate with their partner, and for 1.2 million (4%), it includes trying something new in the bedroom like a new sex position, toy or lingerie. The day is due to be equally busy for 940,000 over 50s, whose ideal Valentine’s Day includes getting back out there to look for a new connection, believing it’s never too late.
When asked how they would look for a relationship, sex or intimacy for themselves or a friend, 11 million (42%) over 50s would hope to do this the traditional way – by meeting someone while out and about. Furthermore:
- 7 million (37%) over 50s said they would join groups or clubs. This could include our most popular Over 50s Night held at Mr Postles Apothecary or one of our coffee clubs.
- 1 million (15%) over 50s would go on a singles holiday
- 7 million (10%) over 50s would reconnect with an old flame
Michelle Collins, acclaimed actress and TV soap star, says: “As we get older, the world becomes more obsessed with our age than who we really are. But we’re exactly the same person on the inside as we’ve always been – maybe we even know ourselves better now.
“That’s why I’m so proud to support Age UK’s Still Got It initiative. As someone who found love in her 50s, I’m keen to raise awareness of the stigma that’s out there around older people and sex and relationships and promote the need for more information and advice on this subject like the Charity’s new guide. It’s so important to continue embracing every part of ourselves in later life, including our sexual and romantic needs and desires – and that starts by talking about it.”
Of course, the landscape of finding love has changed a lot in recent years, with two-thirds (64%) of over 50s saying the new world of dating and apps would leave them feeling overwhelmed. Many also admit to not feeling confident in their knowledge of certain topics like erectile dysfunction (36%), STIs (31%), the menopause (28%) and the link between sex and intimacy and mental health (38%).
The new Age UK Guide is all about empowerment through information, helping those over 50 feel as though they can discuss sex, relationships, love, dating and intimacy openly and without fear of judgement or shame. Age UK Norwich believes this will, in turn, help ensure people in this age group don’t feel forced to shut down this part of themselves if that’s not what they want, but instead are well-informed enough and encouraged to lead the mid and later life they want to live.
Guide on sex, relationships and intimacy available now
After more advice on this subject, either for yourself or someone else? Call Age UK’s Advice Line on 0800 169 6565. All calls are confidential.
New Director appointed to Larking Gowen’s medical team
Jan McLean has joined Larking Gowen as a Director in the specialist medical team.
She will be working from the Ipswich and Norwich offices, supporting the teams in both locations and further strengthening the firm’s offering across East Anglia.
Jan has more than 30 years’ accountancy experience. She qualified as a chartered accountant in 1997, and 2010, she started specialising in the healthcare and medical sector. During this time, her clients were GP practices, hospital consultants, locums, pharmacies, limited companies and other healthcare related clients. Within the medical sector, she has a specialisation in NHS pensions.
Jan said: “I joined Larking Gowen because I wanted to stay in medical specialisation and use the skills I’ve acquired to continue supporting NHS staff and those in private practice. Apart from understanding the intricacies of GP finance, I particularly have a wealth of knowledge in the NHS pension scheme and the associated tax implications, which is a complicated area.
“I knew many of the Larking Gowen healthcare partners from the AISMA annual conferences. Their business is highly respected in the medical sector which was a huge positive for me. The whole team have been friendly and supportive in welcoming me to the firm.”
Andrew Burwood, Partner and head of the medical team at Larking Gowen, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jan to our team. She brings a wealth of experience having looked after many clients within the NHS and private healthcare sectors over several years, and we look forward to her sharing her knowledge and expert guidance with both our clients and our team.
“Jan is a perfect fit for Larking Gowen and our clients, and she strengthens our commitment to remaining an independent firm with a real focus on the community we are so proud to be a part of.”
Great Gatsby Christmas Party Nights
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This December, Fancy dress What’s included: • A drink on • Two-course • Entertainment Timings: • 7pm – Arrival • 7.45pm – Buffet • 1am – Evening to Venue: Gunn Club, Barclay You can reserve your Please note bookings Dates available for Tickets are priced at Over 18s only |
YALM nominated for Best Food Hall in the UK 2025
We’re excited to share that YALM has been nominated for Best Food Hall in the UK 2025 at the British Street Food Awards and voting is now open.
This nomination is more than a recognition of food, it’s about celebrating culture, connection, and a sense of place. Each vote is a show of support for Norwich’s thriving indie food scene.
How to support:
Internet Safety Day
A reminder of the importance of staying secure online.
A few smart habits can make a big difference:
• Use strong, unique passwords for every platform
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
• Be cautious of suspicious links, emails, and downloads
• Keep your devices, apps, and software up to date
• Think before sharing personal or business information online
At Smash Marketing, we encourage awareness, responsibility, and smart digital habits today and every day.
#InternetSafetyDay #OnlineSafety #DigitalAwareness #CyberSmart #SmashMarketing #SafeOnline
Rippleacts CIC launches ‘Neurodiversity at Work’ Training
Local social enterprise, Rippleacts CIC have launched ‘Neurodiversity at Work’ training, designed to help businesses and nonprofits create more inclusive and supportive working environments for neurodivergent employees.
Supported by funding from the UEA Enterprise Fund, the training has been co-created with and is delivered by people with lived experience of neurodiverse conditions. This has been done to ensure that the content accurately reflects authentic voices, real needs and offers practical solutions.
Founded by Verena Niyadurupola in 2022, Rippleacts supports people who are long term unemployed back into work through coaching, projects that help the local community and peer mentoring.
“We recognised that many of the barriers people were facing weren’t about ability, but about a lack of inclusive support in workplaces,” said founder Verena Niyadurupola. “By working directly with neurodiverse people to co-create this training, we’re giving employers the tools they need to build environments where everyone can thrive.”
The training was officially launched at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s staff conference last week and is now available to book online.
Believing that inclusive employment benefits everyone, Rippleacts is offering a discounted rate for nonprofits and a flat rate for all businesses. As a social enterprise, all of their profits are reinvested back into their services which means that when you pay a fee for training, you know it is going towards supporting people back into work.
If you want to learn more about how you can support your neurodivergent colleagues whilst making a positive impact, book your training here
”The East Coast Hospice is our charity of the year for 2018”
This week the team at Access Diagnostic Tests met the corporate fundraiser for the East Coast Hospice Joanna Storey and found out more about the hospice appeal and how we will be helping them this year. Everyone was very excited and is looking forward to getting involved. The appeal is the raise funds to build a hospice on the east coast of Norfolk at Gorleston near Great Yarmouth. The land has already been purchased and they are now in the process of raising the money to build and fit out the building.
‘This is a cause close to our hearts’ company director Kate Garside said. As myself and the other founding director are both doctors, we have seen how important the work of hospices are first hand, and believe this is a very worthy cause for us to get behind both personally, and as a medical supply company.
We are selling a stethoscope in aid of the appeal through our medical supplies website Valuemed.
See our full range of stethoscopes including the East Coast charity stethoscope at Valuemed medical supplies
From Work Experience to Wealth Management
Chadwicks Wealth Management welcomes Alex Meadowcroft as its newest Graduate Trainee Wealth Manager and Paraplanner, marking a full-circle moment in his professional journey.
Alex first stepped through Chadwicks’ doors nearly a decade ago as a work experience student, an early encounter that sparked his passion for financial services. Since then, he has earned a First-Class Honours degree in Economics from Keele University, gained four years of experience as a Paraplanner, and achieved the Regulated Diploma in Financial Planning.
Now returning to the firm where it all began, Alex is working toward becoming a Chartered Financial Planner, bringing with him a strong foundation in client-focused financial planning and a genuine enthusiasm for helping individuals navigate their financial futures.
“We’re delighted to welcome Alex back to Chadwicks. We’ve been offering work experience to young people for as long as I can remember, sometimes overstretching ourselves to make it happen, but we believe it’s worth it. Seeing someone like Alex return to us, now as a Graduate Trainee Wealth Manager, is exactly why we do it. It’s a full-circle moment, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on the team.” Richard Ross, Chadwicks Wealth Management.
Chadwicks continues to welcome applications for internships and graduate roles please contact angela.brett@chadwicks.co.uk.
E-Screen Showcases Digital Signage at Norfolk B2B 2025
E-Screen, a leading provider of digital signage and interactive display solutions, will be exhibiting at Norfolk B2B 2025 on Thursday 9th October at the Norfolk Showground.
Visitors can find the team on Stand P20, where the company will be showcasing its latest digital signage, kiosk, and conferencing solutions.
Known for helping businesses stand out with eye-catching displays and interactive technology, E-Screen supports organisations across retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.
The company’s solutions are designed to boost engagement, modernise communications, and deliver measurable ROI.
E-Screen is also inviting businesses to attend its Demo Weeks at the company’s Great Yarmouth headquarters, running from 20–24 October and 24–28 November. The events will provide hands-on opportunities to test digital signage, interactive displays, and conferencing tools in action.
“Digital signage is no longer a luxury—it’s essential for businesses looking to connect with audiences and stay competitive,” said Jeremy Simpson, Sales Director at E-Screen.
Businesses can learn more, book demo sessions, or pre-arrange meetings for the show by calling 01493 543989 or emailing info@e-screen.co.uk