Medway Council's Thrive from 55 event is at Medway Park, Gillingham, on Tuesday 13 October, 10am to 1pm, with flu jabs for eligible residents.

Residents aged 55 and over can meet health services, charities, clubs and volunteering groups in one morning next month, and eligible residents can have their flu jab there. Medway Council is running a new event, Thrive from 55, at Medway Park Sports Centre in Gillingham.

It takes place on Tuesday 13 October, from 10am to 1pm. The council announced it on Wednesday (Medway Council). The announcement does not mention booking or a charge.

Who will be there

The council says the morning brings together its own services, charities and community groups that support people over 55. Those named are:

  • the council’s public health services
  • FaME, the free falls prevention exercise programme
  • Specsavers
  • Kent Association for the Blind
  • Bright Shadow
  • Sun Pier House, Medway Adult Education and the allotment federation, for hobbies, classes and volunteering
  • students from MidKent College, offering nail treatments, head and shoulder massages and hair styling

There is also a live performance from Music4Wellbeing, a Kent charity that runs music sessions for older adults, carers and people with long-term conditions.

Flu jabs on the day

Eligible residents can get their flu vaccination at the event, the council says.

Cllr Teresa Murray, deputy leader and portfolio holder for public health, urged people to take it up. “Winter places a considerable strain on our healthcare services,” she said, “and the vaccine is the best way that we can play our part as a community and protect others against potential serious illness.”

The event falls inside the NHS season. Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2026 (NHS).

You can get a free NHS flu jab if you:

  • are 65 or over, including anyone who turns 65 by 31 March 2027
  • are 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease
  • are pregnant
  • live in a care home
  • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer’s allowance
  • live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Being 55 on its own does not qualify you. If you are under 65 and unsure, the NHS advises asking your GP surgery.

What it means for you

  • When and where: Tuesday 13 October, 10am to 1pm, Medway Park Sports Centre, Mill Road, Gillingham ME7 1HF (Medway Council).
  • Can’t make it? The FaME falls programme takes self-referrals all year. Our guide to FaME has the phone number, the email and what the 20 weeks involve.
  • Other support: the council lists its health and wellbeing services on its A Better Medway pages.