Tracey has thrown her full support behind the first initiative from the BIG Lottery Fund’s Older People Strategy. The Silver Dreams Fund, valued at £10 million, marks the first tranche of a multi-million pound investment that will help support older people through life-changing events, while encouraging them to get more actively involved in their communities.

A survey commissioned by BIG reveals that 42% of older people fear suffering ill health, while 25% worry about a loss of independence. BIG’s survey also revealed that 40% of older people feel under-valued by society.

The Silver Dreams Fund is looking for 30 innovative ideas for schemes that will help older people, the top five ideas will receive up to an additional £1 million to scale up their project. Interested organisations have until Friday 28 October to submit outline ideas for the Fund.

Tracey says: “I am absolutely delighted to read of the Silver Dreams initiative, having recently held a debate in Parliament on Care and Services for Older People, I am fully aware of the vast challenges facing our ageing population. I would like to take this opportunity to pledge my full support to the BIG Lottery Fund’s Older People Strategy.”