Kensington and Chelsea (Parliament Politics Magazine) – 21 older residents living on the Carnival route will enjoy a Keningston and Chelsea council-funded day trip to Eastbourne as a gesture of care and community support.
21 senior citizens who live right on the Carnival route are being treated to a complimentary, council-funded excursion to Eastbourne.
The trip, which is sponsored by Kensington and Chelsea Council in collaboration with Age UK, was made available to residents along the parade route who face financial obstacles to leaving.
For 21 those most impacted by Carnival, the three-night beach getaway will cost £25,618 and include return coach transport, lodging, insurance, and support workers.
After council street-cleaning crews have returned North Kensington to normal after Carnival, residents will be able to return on Tuesday, August 26.
The council funding for this trip comes after Kensington and Chelsea gave the Carnival organizers an extra £232,000 grant after a safety study of the event, aided by the Metropolitan police, found that more money was required to ensure the festival ran safely this year.
Kensington and Chelsea councillor Kim Taylor Smith, Lead Member for Culture, said:
“Carnival is a wonderful celebration enjoyed by so many people, but we know that the sights, sounds and crowds are not for everyone.
This trip offers a bit of calm for some of our older residents who would prefer not to be at the heart of the action. It’s just one of the ways we support our residents and support Carnival.”
Tasio Cabello, Head of Community Engagement at Age UK Kensington and Chelsea, said:
“Age UK Kensington & Chelsea is proud to once again be partnering with Kensington and Chelsea Council to organise a special outing to provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Notting Hill Carnival during the August Bank Holiday weekend.”
What factors led to spending over £25,000 on residents’ seaside trips?
Many older residents live along the carnival route and are significantly affected by the noise, crowds, and disruption caused by the event. The seaside trip offers a calm and safe environment away from the chaos.
The trip provides a meaningful break and recreational opportunity to improve wellbeing during a period of intense local disruption. The funding comes from adult social care budgets aimed at supporting older and potentially vulnerable residents by enhancing quality of life and reducing stress.
Organizing a group trip involves transport, staffing, meals, and carefully planned activities to ensure safety and comfort, which adds to the cost.